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Zephyrhills Skatepark comes alive during ‘Grind for Life’

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Competitors came from as close as a neighborhood nearby to as far away as Hawaii — and from a wide array of places in between — for the Grind for Life Series, a national competition hosted on March 19 at the Zephyrhills Skatepark, 39096 Alston Ave.

Thirteen-year-old Zion Effs makes a jump, as he prepares for the Grind for Life skateboard series on March 19, at the Zephyrhills Skatepark. Effs traveled from Miami to test his skills. The event featured 156 competitors, in various divisions and age classes, demonstrating their abilities in the daylong event. (Fred Bellet)

There were 156 competitors, of all ages and skill levels, including 20 first-time skaters and 17 women, according to statistics provided by the City of Zephyrhills.

Contestants included 10-year-old Samantha Livaditis, of Chicago, who dazzled the judges with a ‘front side air trick.’ She traveled to the competition with her dad, Steve Livaditis.

Twenty-year-old Jesse Yates didn’t travel far at all. He lives in Zephyrhills and was the only Pasco County resident to compete in the tournament.

Anthony Ferraro, of Spring Lake, New Jersey, is a relative newcomer to skateboarding — starting just two years ago. Blind since birth, Ferraro and other competitors with disabilities approach the sport differently. Before the competition began, he and other competitors with sight disabilities familiarized themselves with the placement of jumps, ramps, walls and rails, and distance. Ferraro took fourth place in the men’s adaptive division.

He showed off his skills in a street division jump, flipping his skateboard beneath his feet.

He said he took up the pursuit when the Zephyrhills Skatepark was completed in 2015.

Anthony Ferraro of Spring Lake, New Jersey, competed, too.

He’s a relative newcomer to skateboarding, starting just two years ago.

Blind since birth, Ferraro and other competitors with disabilities approach the sport differently.

Prior to the competition’s start, he and other competitors with sight disabilities familiarized themselves with the placement of jumps, ramps, walls and rails, and distance.

Ferraro placed fourth in the men’s adaptive division.

The Grind for Life Series benefits the Grind for Life organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that assists cancer patients with travel expenses, according to a news release from the City of Zephyrhills.

The skateboarding competition was founded in 2003, by lifelong skateboarder Mike Rogers, after his second battle with sarcoma cancer. He beat cancer once as a preteen, and again 25 years later. Rogers beat the odds and is a competitive skateboarder again.

The City of Zephyrhills has been a host for a Grind for Life Series leg for several years, with the city’s public works crew members providing cleanup assistance during the course of the event.

The competition includes a men’s and women’s bowl, and street division, as well as an adaptive skateboarding division, for athletes with disabilities.

Registration was $35.

Published April 06, 2022

Ten-year-old R.J. Serkland first hopped on a skateboard when he was 2 years old. He recently competed in his second Grind for Life Series. Here, he performs a trick called ‘the slob-plant.’
Kelly Ferraro caught it all on camera, after her husband, Anthony, left, of Spring Lake, New Jersey, took to the course. Even though he has been blind since birth, Anthony began skateboarding two years ago. He placed fourth in his division.
Zephyrhills’ own Jesse Yates, 20, shows his skills in a street division jump, flipping his skateboard beneath his feet. Yates said he began skating when the Zephyrhills Skatepark was completed in 2015. The park is near his house, motivating him to take up skateboarding.
Seven-year-old Coco Waldo, of Fernandina Beach, competed for the first time at the Grind for Life Series. Her mom, Britni Waldo, said her daughter has been skating for just two years.
With a watchful eye, 9-year-old Nicholas Delacruz, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, checks out the street course, as he waits his turn for the Street Men’s 9 and under division. At right, a hopeful 12-year-old Taylor Burnett, of Orlando, holds her board close while waiting for her turn to show the judges her skills.

Riding along the rolling hills of San Ann

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It can be a slow ride, so several of these cyclists take it easy.

But not every rider goes at a leisurely pace in the Gran Fondo Florida, the 10th annual race that started in 2012, but has been held in San Antonio since 2014.

Hundreds of cyclists from all over the country, and even internationally, competed in the 10th annual Gran Fonda Florida on the roads of San Antonio on March 20. Some raced competitively, while others cycled at a more leisurely pace. (Mike Camunas)

The race is the season-opening event for the organization’s National Series.

Arguably the “easiest” event of the Gran Fondo National Series, based on total elevation gain, the nonstop rolling hills — in the community known as San Ann to locals — also make it the hardest gran fondo within Florida. And, it rewards riders who can work well in groups.

“Yeah, we do (like the hills),” Gran Fondo founder and director Reuben Kline said. “It’s beautiful scenery, nice hills and great, warm weather. We get all the people who live up North that love to come down to this event because you just can’t beat this weather for a ride. This is a real jump into Spring.

“And when you think about the rest of the country (and the colder weather), this is the place to be.”

Samuel Navarro takes a selfie on his bike before the 10th annual Gran Fonda Florida on the roads of San Antonio on March 20.

Gran Fondo is a little different from your typical cycling competition. For starters, there were three routes available during the race in San Ann.

The Piccolo Route was the shortest at 35 miles, while the medium-length one — the aptly named Medio Route — was 55 miles. The longest route, at 94 miles, was the Gran Route.

However, in gran fondo, a rider’s overall time from start to finish does not matter. There are sections varying in length that are the timed segments. This makes the gran fondo a long-distance cycling event that focuses both on the competitive and recreational experience.

Jay Trojan, from Rhode Island, was among the field of competitors at the 10th annual Gran Fonda Florida on the roads of San Antonio on March 20.

Riders leave together at the specified start time, but then choose their own pace to either finish and have fun or focus on competing for their best time over the timed sections.

“Race sections are typically anywhere from 3 miles to 10 miles,” Kline said. “The sections added together give you your competition time but, in between, you can enjoy the scenery, socialize, catch your breath, get some water, stop to use the bathroom — so this gives riders of all abilities to come out here and have a great time, whether they’re competing or just enjoying a Sunday ride.”

The event in San Ann was the first of eight run by Gran Fondo, and it is quite popular among its riders, who travel from far and wide just to compete. Like Jay Trojan from Rhode Island.

“I’ve done this one several times, but I do it because, yeah, I like the competition,” Trojan said. “Seems like it’s bigger and bigger every year, but I like coming to Florida (to be in this race).”

Results from Gran Fondo Florida, presented by Capua Law, can qualify riders for the 2022 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. That is scheduled on July 17, during Gran Fondo Asheville, in North Carolina.

Kline knew there would be plenty of competitive riders, especially in the first race of the season. That’s fine by him, since Kline was happy to kick off the season not only in Florida, but with a great turnout.

“We’ve got a solid mix of competitive riders and riders who just want to ride,” said Kline who founded his organization in 2012. “Riders of all abilities — we always see that. You want to be the top-notch, badass rider and get it? You can go for it and win it overall, but if you just want to accomplish it as a weekender and to do something, you can do that, too, and that’s what Gran Fondo is all about.”

Published March 30, 2022

Patriots’ hottest start is years in the making

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Winning doesn’t come free for Freedom baseball.

It’s had just one winning season since 2012.

Its prospects this year, however, are bright.

Senior pitcher and hitter Evan Mobley transferred from Tampa Bay Tech during the offseason, joining Patriots players he’s known since their Little League days. (Mike Camunas)

“This is the first group of players I’ve had for four years, and they have been working their butts off, buying into the program more than they have any other year,” said Patriots coach Tripp Merrell, who is 26-36 in four seasons.

“We’ve never had the work ethic. To finally see that, it’s impressive because it’s all paying off,” Merrell said.

The payoff has been the Patriots’ hottest start, well, ever, in the program’s 16-year history.

At 7-2 through March 21, Freedom is enjoying an unfamiliar feeling of success that includes outscoring opponents 63-24 and going 2-1 in pool play of the Silver Bracket of the prestigious Saladino Baseball Tournament. The Saladino tournament, held annually over Spring Break, features many of the best teams in Hillsborough County.

“It’s Hillsborough County Baseball,” Merrell said. “You’re going to be playing a tough team the majority of the time. You can’t say it’s this or that team — you have to play your best every time. Competition is the real deal in Hillsborough County.”

Patriots coach Tripp Merrell is in his fourth season leading the team. He expects a focused work ethic from his players and that is paying dividends on the field, with the team having its best start in years.

The Patriots’ only losses this year have come to Durant and in an extra-inning, one-run loss to Robinson in the tournament. With Saladino in the rearview mirror, Freedom now focuses on continuing its best season — and working on what it will take to move on to the postseason.

In the past, teams that won the district, and the district runner-up would qualify for the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA ) regional tournament. This season, however, only the district champion automatically moves up and there are eight at-large bids up for grabs. Those are handed out by rankings that are determined by an unknown algorithm used by FHSAA in conjunction with MaxPreps.

“There’s a lot of good teams we play night in and night out,” said Gio Mendoza, a junior who leads the team with 13 hits and is tied for leading the team with seven RBI. The catcher also noted: “We’ve got a lot of good teams in our district.”

However, he’s confident.

“I think that we can compete with just about anyone. This isn’t the same team as before,” Mendoza said.

Going forward, Freedom will need to show just that.

Junior catcher Gio Mendoza is known as the ‘anchor’ of the team and is one of the reasons the Patriots are focused and off to a hot start. Mendoza also is one of the players who has been coached only by Tripp Merrell, something Mendoza says contributes to the team’s success.

The Patriots district — Class 5A-6 — is stacked with some very good Hillsborough County teams, such as Hillsborough High and Jefferson. There also is the perennial state title contender, Jesuit, which is ranked 27th in Florida and No. 2 in Class 5A.

“All baseball, especially Hillsborough County, is really tough,” said senior pitcher Evan Mobley, who carries a team-best 0.36 ERA and 27 strikeouts.

“You can’t have the mentality you’re going to win automatically. You have to be on your game every night when you play baseball in Hillsborough County and you have the teams we have in our district,” added Mobley, who is tied for the team-high of seven RBI.

“We can’t look ahead to a game that’s too far down the road,” Merrell added. “The fact is we’re trying to get the best ranking and do that by focusing on the next team, whomever that may be.”

Mobley, a transfer from Tampa Bay Tech, has been a big boost to the roster, however, Merrell feels many of the pieces have been there all along. He calls Mendoza “the true anchor of the team,” while Raul Olivera — the senior centerfielder and leadoff batter who leads the team with 11 stolen bases — “is an absolute stud.”

“We’re just able to build on year after year and focus on the team as a whole,” Mendoza said. “We haven’t had to worry about change or a new coach and that always helps, in my opinion.”

Merrell agrees.

“Everyone has been here a long time now,” the coach said. “In all reality, the best season Freedom baseball has ever had is the ultimate goal, but the key to that is to just play one game at a time.”

Published March 23, 2022

These esports athletes are ‘controlling’

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Down, right, up, left and then hit the X.

Those aren’t the directions to Saint Leo’s Esports Arena on its St. Leo campus. Rather, quite possibly, the moves are the sequence of controller buttons pounded away by a member of the Lions’ Esports varsity team.

Saint Leo University Esports Team volunteer Demi Santamaria adjusts the casting microphones, as part of her video production duties at the team’s Esports Arena on campus that opened last March. (Mike Camunas)

“It’s more than just playing video games,” Saint Leo University senior and team captain Caleb Hunt said. “It’s strategy and competition, and being teammates. A lot more goes into it than just playing the game.”

The Saint Leo University Esports Team isn’t just some club either. It’s a college-funded and sponsored competitive intercollegiate team, just not under the NCAA, said Dr. Jen Shaw, vice president of Student Affairs.

“Our other teams in this category are Sporting Clays Team, GoldRush Dance Team and Cheerleading Team,” she said.

“The popularity of esports is rapidly growing across the nation, and I think this is just a great opportunity for Saint Leo’s students to compete and have fun,” University President Jeffrey Senese added. “It’s also a great way to showcase Saint Leo’s computer science and cybersecurity programs.”

Saint Leo University seniors and members of the Lions Esports team Gabi Rodriguez, left, and Caleb Hunt react to a video game while broadcasting at the team’s Esports Arena, at the college campus.

The Lions compete in the NACE (National Association of Collegiate Esports) and also are a part of CLoL, which is Collegiate League of Legends, one of the five games the team plays in competition. (The other four are Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Overwatch, Rocker League and Valorant).

With 30-plus players, the team recently celebrated the first anniversary of its Esports Arena opening. And, believe it or not, having a “tech-y” major isn’t a prerequisite to be on the team.

“We actually have a couple of English majors on the team,” said senior Pedro Quintao, who is the team’s student coach and IT guru. “Actually, we have a lot of psych majors, too. We might actually have every major this school offers, so really you just have to be good at the games and a team player.”

Saint Leo University senior and Esports Team student coach Pedro Quintao plays a round of Super Smash Brothers next to a whiteboard, which lists facets of the team’s strategies and reminders of upcoming events.

Another major aspect is casting the gameplay, mainly on the popular gaming one, Twitch. The Lions’ Esports Team has a casting station that they use to show the gameplay and have commentary on the match, just like watching a sporting match on TV.

“That’s why it’s not just about playing the games,” said Gabi Rodriguez, a senior from Peru, majoring in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication and one of the team’s casters. “Not only do we teach how to become (a gaming) pro, we teach them how to cast — how to talk about the game and to apply themselves in the esports scene because they might not want to be a pro player, but still part of esports.”

Saint Leo University Esports Team coach Bovey Zhang manages a coed squad of about 30 video gamers that compete among 12 collegiate Esports teams in Florida.

Esports is one of the most rapidly growing sports and revenue is predicted to surpass $2.5 billion in 2022. This is one of the many reasons more and more colleges are getting esports teams. There are 12 in Florida — USF, Florida Southern, and Rollins, to name a few.

“We’ve been hitting some top victories with (our best) game: League of Legends,” the team’s coach, Bovey Zhang, said. “We beat Texas A&M and Saint Mary’s, and we’re hosting a Smash Mouth Match on March 26.”

While there is hard work with practice and strategizing involved, there’s also fun and games, while gaming. The team also is building the Saint Leo campus, block by block, with incredible detail, on Minecraft.

That’s during the players’ downtime. Then it’s back to the whiteboard, with X’s and O’s.

Just like the buttons on their controllers.

“What people don’t realize about esports,” Zhang said, “is that it isn’t just one game. As a coach and manager, I’m coaching five different games. That’s a big workload, so you have to time and balance everything. We have to still strategize — we’re always practicing, we’re always playing and so we’re always trying to do different things. It is a lot of collaborative work, a lot of working together.

“But there’s a lot of interest in esports, and that’s a start.”

Published March 13, 2022

Dade City golfer readies for professional tour

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Bailey Shoemaker’s first set of golf clubs was plastic.

“I’ve been playing since I could walk,” the 17-year-old amateur golfer said.

“I played in my first tournament when I was about 7, and I just wanted to keep playing ever since I was old enough to play.”

Bob Shoemaker — her dad, who also happens to be her caddie — agrees with his daughter’s recollections.

Dade City resident and amateur junior golfer Bailey Shoemaker hits a shot at Lake Jovita Golf Course during a three-day tournament hosted by the East Coast Women’s Pro Golf Tour. (Mike Camunas)

“By the time she could talk,” he reminisced, “Bailey would be asking, ‘When are we going to the course? When are we going to the range?’”

Besides being eager to get out on the course, she was easy to teach.

“I never forced it on her and — it didn’t come naturally, because she worked hard at it, but she was always good and has always enjoyed it,” the caddie said.

Enjoyment has led to success, too.

On March 1 through March 3, Bailey competed in the Lake Jovita Women’s Championship hosted by the East Coast Women’s Pro Golf Tour (ECWPGT).

She tied for eighth place, shooting a 4-over par on her home course.

Dade City resident and amateur junior golfer Bailey Shoemaker speaks with her dad, Bob, who caddied for her during a three-day tournament hosted by the East Coast Women’s Pro Golf Tour at Lake Jovita Golf Course.

“I’ve been wanting to get on this tour for a while,” Bailey said. “It’s a good first one to have, too, on your home course.”

“Nice to sleep in your own bed at night, too,” Bob said, with a laugh.

Although she had hoped for a stronger finish, this event is just one of many she’ll be playing during her junior season.

After that, Bailey, who is an online student, will begin her senior year. She committed to play women’s collegiate golf for the University of Southern California.

The ECWPGT is a professional golf tour for young women who are in high school, in college or recent graduates from collegiate golf.

The tour was rebranded from the National Women’s Golf Association.

Its new owner, Mark Berman, a 25-year golf industry veteran, has worked for the PGA TOUR, the World Golf Foundation and the World Golf Hall of Fame.

He has turned the tournament into a competitive stepping stone for women golfers to make the Epson Tour — the Official Qualifying Tour of the LPGA — and, of course, the LPGA.

Bailey Shoemaker, an amateur golfer from Dade City, signs her scorecard after playing in a three-day tournament hosted by the East Coast Women’s Pro Golf Tour at Lake Jovita Golf Course. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

“(The ECWPGT) helps her even more to prepare for college golf,” her dad said.

“Out here are either college golfers or golfers who just graduated, and it’s really helpful to play this and prepare for other tournaments.

“We’re always trying to make sure she’s playing up as much as possible because out here the competition is going to be deeper and stronger and better than your average amateur tour,” he said.

“It’s great preparation,” added Bailey, who carries a 6.5 handicap.

She added that it’s a great competition, giving her the chance to go up against golfers she hadn’t seen in a while and some that she’d never played.

“It’s really just an all-around great event,” Bailey said.

The tournament is more than just playing competitive rounds, it’s set up to prepare the young women golfers with an atmosphere of professional events.

“It’s great that everyone is encouraging us (young women) to get out and play,” said Bailey, whose golf career highlight so far is an ace that came during the Stacy Lewis Invitational at Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

“I know when I started golfing, just after I was born, that’s when women’s golf really started to boom and then the women (golfers) started to get longer and longer (on shots). Now, with each generation, you keep seeing everyone getting better and better.”

The ECWPGT looks to create more and better playing opportunities for aspiring LGPA players.

It’s a tour aimed at emboldening the next generation of talented women golfers.

Like Bailey.

Published on March 09, 2022

This pitching coach brings a world of experience to the job

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He has a World Series ring.

He played at every level in professional baseball — competing in practically every state — and once struck out his childhood hero during a major league game.

He represented his home country of Canada at the World Baseball Classic and won a championship in Japan.

Academy at the Lakes pitching coach Scott Mathieson talks to players on Academy at the Lakes baseball team. (Courtesy of Joey Johnston)

Right-handed pitcher Scott Mathieson had an enormously interesting and varied career. When he speaks from experience, people should listen.

Baseball players for Academy at the Lakes (AATL), where Mathieson has begun his second season as the volunteer pitching coach, are the beneficiaries.

Coach Ken Akins and the Wildcat players agree — Mathieson’s words are like gold.

“He has seen it all,’’ AATL sophomore right-hander Jonny Alvarez said. “He told me to bring my arm down. Now I am throwing it faster and more accurately. I didn’t have much power in my legs and he has changed that. He knows what’s wrong and what’s right. It’s making a huge difference.’’

“I have seen so many benefits,’’ AATL senior left-hander Cole Syversen said. “The velocity on my fastball has increased. He tells me how to get my (body’s) lower half involved and it just clicks immediately. The way he describes it, you know it’s the way it should be.’’

Mathieson, a former 17th-round draft choice, was with the Philadelphia Phillies’ organization for 10 years, and he pitched 15 MLB games over three seasons. Ultimately, though, his progress was derailed by three elbow surgeries. He pitched eight more seasons with the Yomiuri Giants, appearing in 300 games as a reliever and winning the 2012 Japan Championship Series.

Former professional baseball player Scott Mathieson shares his knowledge about pitching with players on Academy at the Lakes’ team. (Courtesy of Joey Johnston)

When it came time for retirement — and when his two children, Lane (9) and Brooke (6), enrolled at AATL — Mathieson asked if he could be involved with the baseball program.

The answer: A resounding yes!

“You can’t put a price tag on how Scott relates to the kids and how he helps their game,’’ Akins said. “We are really fortunate to have him. He shoots straight from the hip, no sugar-coating. He tells you how hard you need to work for success. Our guys have exploded with confidence and success by sticking to his plan.’’

Mathieson, whose fastball touched 100 mph in his prime, said he has enjoyed working with players who are so eager to learn.

“You teach them how to play, but even more, you teach them how to practice, how to make best use of their time and how to work properly,’’ Mathieson said. “Everybody’s pinnacle is different. You want to come close to your pinnacle and never have regrets. Whether that means getting into a high school game or reaching the major league level, let’s get there.

“You just want them to play to their best ability and not be satisfied with anything less than that. I got a little taste of the top level. It takes a lot of work, some luck and staying healthy. If a kid has a desire to improve and pursue his goals, it’s exciting to know I can help in those areas.’’

Scott Mathieson was with the Philadelphia Phillies’ organization for 10 years. (Courtesy of Wikipedia commons)

Mathieson, who turned 38 on Feb. 27, said his biggest MLB thrill was twice striking out Ken Griffey Jr., then with the Cincinnati Reds. When Mathieson grew up in a small town outside of Vancouver, he idolized Griffey and his early career with the Seattle Mariners.

“That was pretty cool,’’ Mathieson said. “I got to talk to him afterward and he signed a couple of baseballs for me. I was fortunate enough to strike out a few good names.’’

But the elbow injuries altered the course of his career. He has no regrets. In fact, he loves his life, particularly the part that involves taking his kids to school each morning and being intimately involved in their lives.

Mathieson also coaches with his son’s youth league team.

“I think the important things are learning the game, learning sportsmanship, making friends, being a good teammate and playing the game the right way,’’ Mathieson said. “Making a (physical) error doesn’t matter to me. As long as you’re paying attention, being disciplined and giving your best effort, it’s fine. It’s a game. It’s supposed to be fun.

“When I grew up in our small town, after our baseball games, the parents did the barbecue, the kids played Frisbee on the field, and everybody was friends. That’s the kind of attitude and environment we should have with our kids in baseball. It’s meant to be fun. I know I’m having a lot of fun, and if the kids can learn the game and have fun, that’s all I can ask.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published March 02, 2022

If you build it, they will come

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For years, the site where Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus is now thriving was the topic of —  well, conversation.

The birth of the event destination dates back to 2001, when a feasibility study identified Pasco County as a possible sports tourism hotspot.

Actual plans for the athletic center didn’t come together until 2015.

The Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County sits on 80 acres of land in Wesley Chapel. Since opening, in 2020, it has attracted a wide array of national and regional tournaments. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The facility broke ground in June 2018 and it opened in August 2020 — in the midst of a pandemic.

Rather than derailing the success of the sports destination, though, the facility managed to attract tournaments that had intended to go elsewhere but couldn’t because the place they intended to go was closed.

During the pandemic, staff with Florida’s Sports Coast — Pasco County’s tourism arm — also set the stage for future business by developing relationships with event planners.

Late last year, the Florida Sports Foundation named the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus in Wesley Chapel as Florida’s Small Market of the Year for its contributions to the state’s $57.4 billion sports industry.

The recognition didn’t exactly surprise Consuelo Sanchez, sports development and tourism manager of Florida’s Sports Coast.

After all, Sanchez said, efforts to promote the venue at national and international trade shows had been ongoing for years.

“Once it opened, in the middle of a pandemic, it exploded,” she said. “Everyone wanted to come here. All of these event organizers that we had been talking to for years, they wanted to come,” Sanchez said.

She attributes excellent customer service as a key ingredient for the facility’s success.

“Once, they came, they loved the venue, and moving forward, they want to keep hosting these events (here) on an annual basis,” Sanchez said.

The athletics campus is a public-private partnership between the county, which owns the land and facility, and RADD Sports, a private sports management company tasked with handling day-to-day programming, maintenance and operations.

The sports campus also was developed as part of a private-public partnership between the Pasco County Commission, the county’s tourism agency, and the Porter family, who donated the land.

When the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus isn’t booked for special events or tournaments, the court space can be used by local leagues and athletes. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Designed for flexibility
The field house, which is the centerpiece of the campus, has two 35,500-square-foot multipurpose courts featuring eight drop-down basketball hoops and 16 volleyball nets.

It has a 5,000-square-foot indoor cheer zone.

The campus also has two full-size, outdoor multipurpose fields and will be getting five additional fields to wrap up phase one.

The facility can accommodate up to 17 different sports.

Already, it has attracted amateur events sanctioned by several national governing bodies, such as USA Volleyball, USA Gymnastics, Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball, AAU volleyball, Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), Florida Senior Games, Special Olympics, and U.S. Club Soccer.

Recently, it finished the Christmas Invitational, which brought in 148 teams from around the country, said Adam Thomas, tourism director for Florida’s Sports Coast.

“These are top-level girls basketball players that are top recruits. We had eight of the top basketball teams from around the country, playing in our tournament at Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County,” Thomas said.

Last June, the facility hosted the first ever Tampa Bay Pro Combine, which brought in Division I and Division II college players, eligible for the pro draft, to showcase their hoop skills.

It will be hosting its second rendition of that event in April, in which 51 or 52 players will compete in the combine.

Local benefits, too
Besides attracting tournaments and tourism dollars to the area, the cutting-edge facility offers significant advantages for local aspiring athletes.

There’s a separate cheer and dance studio at Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Local leagues and players can take part in programming at the sports campus, when the facility is not booked for outside tournaments or special events.

“We have kids in Pasco County that participate in travel ball. They participate in travel ball for volleyball or basketball or gymnastics or soccer or whatever sport that we’re hosting at the sports campus,” Thomas said.

“Their level of experience now gets to increase because we’re bringing in better competition, from a national perspective. So, they can compete against top-level athletes,” he added.

Another plus? Local athletes can sleep in their own beds, eat meals at home and forego the expense of travel, he said.

The venue continues to expand its events and programming, and Florida Sport’s Coast staff now are working to secure bookings from 2023 through 2026.

Staff is eyeing one opportunity, in particular, which has great promise, the tourism director said.

“It’s a North American event,” Thomas said, adding he is not yet able to disclose specifics.

“It would be the first time that this event would ever be held in the Southeast Region of the United States,” Thomas said.

And what’s happened so far is just scratching the surface of possibilities for the sports campus.

Once the first phase wraps up, there will be a phase two and phase three.

Six-foot-11-inch Jordy Tshimanga, from Dayton University, goes up for a basket prior to the start of the slam dunk and 3-point shot competition.

How those phases will play out isn’t yet clear, so stay tuned.

Facility features

  • 98,000 square feet of indoor space
  • Two 35,500-square-foot gyms
  • Separate cheer/dance studio
  • Bio-cushioned hardwood floors
  • Multisport electronic scoreboards
  • 37-foot high ceilings
  • Can accommodate 16 volleyball games or eight full-court basketball games at once
  • Floors can be converted for sports such as pickleball (up to 16 courts), futsal (up to eight courts), and large-scale wrestling, mixed martial arts (MMA) or karate tournaments

Coming soon
Sampling of events coming soon to the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus:

  • Feb. 26 – Feb. 27: East Coast Cheer
  • March 5 – March 6: Mark Foster V-Ball
  • April 23 – April 24: RADD Volleyball Battle of the Bay
  • May 7 – May 8: RADD AAU Volleyball
  • June 25 – June 26: RADD Futsal
  • July 23 – July 24: SOH Elite Basketball

Published February 16, 2022

Get off the beaten track, to experience Pasco’s beauty

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Any sport can tamp down frustrations of everyday life. Hiking in the woods goes a step further. It soothes the soul.

Visit one of Pasco County’s trails and you’ll see. You can hike under ancient oaks, past cabbage palms and ferns, through pine , and along swamps and riverbanks.

You’ll hear birdsong, and smell pine needles, bay leaves and loamy lakebeds. You’ll see wild orchids, thick forests, and, maybe you’ll even taste salt air.

Scientists say getting out into nature may ward off depression, high blood pressure, even hyperactivity in children. Some doctors even prescribe a hike in the woods to alleviate stress and anxiety, and to get their patients to cut down on screen time.

Guides lead “forest bathing” meditation tours to soothe worries. And studies have shown that merely looking at photographs of nature or even the color green can be calming.

Hiking is an enjoyable way to immerse yourself in nature and get exercise.

Here are just some places in Pasco County to hit the trail:

Giant oaks, some dating back to before Florida became a state, line nature trails in Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, encompassing 8,300 acres in New Port Richey. (Karen Haymon Long)

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., New Port Richey
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Free entrance
Contact: 727-834-3247; PascoCountyFl.net

This 8,300-acre park has a 7.3-mile paved trail that leads to the Suncoast Trail, which runs 42 miles from Hillsborough to Hernando County. Bikes share the park’s paved trail with hikers, but it’s wide enough for both. Woods often line both sides of the paved path, so it feels more serene than urban.

Off the paved trail, signs lead to leaf-strewn nature trails through pine and oak forests, palmettos, fern beds, red mulberry, magnolias and other trees.

Trails are marked with green and blue slashes on trees, so it’s easy to find your way. One trail leads to the Pithlachascotee River, in a spot where it’s tea-colored and crossed with fallen tree trunks.

Birdwatchers have identified 177 species of birds in the park. Look for wood ducks, little blue herons, even sandhill cranes. The park also has a 10-mile equestrian trail, camping, restrooms, picnic shelters, tables and grills.

Nearby, Starkey Gap Trail starts on the south side of State Road 54 at Starkey Boulevard. Heading south, it crosses Trinity Boulevard (where there is a parking lot) and continues through grassy fields, past cow pastures and woods. After about a mile, it joins the Pinellas Trail.

Suncoast Trail
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Free entrance
Contact: PascoCountyFl.net

This 42-mile paved trail passes through Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties, running along the east side of the Suncoast Parkway.

Half the trail is in Pasco County. Benches, water and portable toilets are available in some areas. The trail passes through residential, agricultural and natural areas.

“There are many areas where you really can’t see the parkway,” says David Jay, site supervisor for the Suncoast Trail and Crews Lake Park. “It’s completely wooded to the west in many areas.”

He says most hikers (and bikers) access the trail at State Road 54 at the Suncoast Parkway. That’s the official trailhead, with a free parking lot, a picnic table, portable toilets and a fix-it station.

Pasco County’s other main access points, he says, are off Wellfield Road, where the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park Trail leads onto the Suncoast Trail; and off Shady Hills Road, a mile hike from Crews Lake Park in Spring Hill.

Other Pasco access points are at the Ridge Road Extension, State Road 52, Caldwell Lane, Lawless Road, Bowman Road and County Line Road.

Everywhere you hike in the Green Swamp, you’ll likely see towering trees and watery views. The Green Swamp is a vital recharge area for the Florida Aquifer. (Karen Haymon Long)

Green Swamp Wilderness West Tract
13347 Ranch Road, 5 miles from downtown Dade City in East Pasco County
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Free entrance
Contact: 352-796-7211; www.swfwmd.state.fl.us

This preserve, with an astounding 37,350 acres, has 65 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders.

A section of the Florida National Scenic Trail meanders through thick woods shaded by towering oaks, pines and magnolias. Some stretches are lined with ponds and brown grasses, saw palmettos and cabbage palms.

On a portion of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, hikers may see deer, wild hogs, turkeys, alligators, wading birds and soaring, squawking osprey.

The Green Swamp is one of Florida’s largest wetlands, and because it is considered an environmentally sensitive habitat, hikers are urged to stay on designated trails.

The tract also has picnic tables, portable toilets and campsites.

Trails in Withlacoochee River State Park near Dade City wend through woods and past the picturesque river. (Courtesy of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast)

Withlacoochee River Park
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., Dade City
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free entrance
Contact: 352-567-0264; PascoCountyFl.net

This picturesque Pasco County park, on the western edge of the Green Swamp, has sandhill bluffs overlooking the Withlacoochee River, a forest, prairies and wetlands.

Eight miles of well-marked hiking trails and boardwalks loop through the park, past the Withlacoochee River, cypress trees and old oaks. The park also has a 1.7-mile paved trail for walkers and bikers. All trails begin at a kayak dock, the south parking area and the campgrounds.

The park is home to barn owls, woodcocks, ibis, limpkins and many other bird species, some that can be seen from an observation tower. Other amenities: picnic shelters, restrooms, cabins, and primitive and RV campsites.

At Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park in Port Richey, you’ll see springs, deep woods, and maybe even bald eagles and dolphins. (Karen Haymon Long)

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
8737 U.S. 19 N., Port Richey
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to sunset
Fee: $2 for walkers and bikers; $3 for vehicles with up to 8 people
Contact: 727-816-1890; FloridaStateParks.org

This tranquil park of bayous, salt marches, creeks and thick mangroves is just off busy U.S. 19, but you’d never know it. It’s a peaceful place to hike, kayak and have a picnic.

Each park entrance has hiking trails. The half-mile Springs Trail leads to sinks and artesian springs, through oak hammocks and pinewoods. Just past Salt Spring, if it’s low tide, hikers may see a tidal waterfall created by a spring that is 351 feet deep.

Bald eagles are sometimes seen on the Eagle Trail, along with hawks, roseate spoonbills, great blue herons and snowy egrets. A boardwalk leads to a kayak launch, where you’ll see water views and, if you’re lucky, dolphins and otters.

From the launch, kayakers can paddle through bayous, salt marshes and creeks. The park also has restrooms, picnic tables and a pavilion.

A boardwalk trail makes it easy for hikers to see the Pithlachascotee River in the James E. Grey Preserve in New Port Richey. (Courtesy of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast)

James E. Grey Preserve
6938 Plathe Road, New Port Richey
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Free entrance
Contact: 727-841-4560; FloridaHikes.com

This 80-acre wildlife preserve is on a stretch of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, with 140 bird species, manatees, deer, wild boar, gopher tortoises and more.

Hikers can walk along a boardwalk past the Pithlachascotee River, take the shaded Palmetto Loop, with a river overlook, or follow the Uplands Trail Loop through a scrub habitat of palms, wildflowers and gopher tortoises.

Towering palms cast shadows on the river. Thick palmettos and cabbage palms line the boardwalk, and benches dot trails, all adding to the preserve’s tranquility.

The preserve also has a lake, playground, restrooms, a picnic shelter and an observation deck.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published February 09, 2022

Girls’ lacrosse continues rapid growth in Pasco area

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Less than a decade ago when someone in the Pasco County area mentioned girls’ lacrosse, the reactions varied: Many didn’t know it existed in the area, and some weren’t even 100% sure what it was.

Suffice it to say, lacrosse has come a long way. That’s especially true when it comes to girls’ lacrosse.

Now, each local high school boasts a varsity lacrosse team. And, there’s a travel team based out of Pasco, too.

It has been a slow process.

High schools in the Pasco area started by adopting lacrosse as a club sport more than a decade ago.

Last season’s Titan’s squad from top left: coach Miri Perez, Olivia Dusch, Maddy Coker (goalie), Isabella Butler, Alessia Lloyd, Bridgette Currin, Chloe Norman, Miranda Garcia and coach Craig Havemann. Bottom left: Paige Peters, Bethany Bonds, Kennedy Young, Hailey Allen, Eva Risinger, Jerianne Morris, Luna Khatib, Mackenzine Smith and Presley Sartori. (Courtesy of Jessica Norman)

In those days, they searched long and hard to find opposing teams.

Back then, most schedules included just a few games each season and there weren’t any playoffs.

But for the past five years, it has been a school-sanctioned varsity sport. Each school now plays  full district schedules, beginning in mid-February.

The teams play 12 games to 15 games a season. They have a chance to  compete in playoffs, and, then, of course, go for a state title.

The Tampa Titans — the only girls’ lacrosse travel team in Pasco — provides a chance for girls to play the sport year-round.

Some of those players aspire to play at the collegiate level, and some receive offers to do just that.

In addition to the Titans, there’s a team called Titans Carolina, which is for girls who are new to the sport or who are at an intermediate skill level and hope to move up to play for the Titans.

Both the Titans and Titans Carolina are led by experienced coaches from Wiregrass Ranch, Land O’ Lakes, Cypress Creek and Wesley Chapel high schools.

The league also offers clinics during the year for those interested in learning the game or who want to remain active, during their high school team’s off-season.

In case you’re one of those people who is unfamiliar with the sport, lacrosse is a game where opposing teams try to get a small rubber ball into their opponent’s goal. Instead of kicking or throwing the ball with their hands or feet, they use long sticks with a net-like basket, which they use to pick up, carry, throw, catch and shoot the ball.

The Titans lacrosse program is now limited to girls who are in currently in seventh grade up to those entering senior year. But later this year, the organization plans to begin allowing girls as young as age 5 to play.

Jessica Norman, vice president of operations for the Titans, has witnessed the benefits of girls playing lacrosse beyond their school team’s schedule.

Her daughter, Chloe, gave up volleyball and track as a freshman at Land O’ Lakes to concentrate on playing lacrosse. She plays for the Gators and the Titans.

She decided to focus exclusively on lacrosse after noticing interest in the sport beginning to grow.

The senior midfielder’s dedication has resulted in a scholarship to play at the University of Montevallo (Division II) in Alabama in the fall.

Jessica Norman is enthused about opportunities to play lacrosse is being expanded for younger players.

“The biggest benefit will be learning and playing the sport together from a young age,” she said. “When a team plays together from a young age, it can be a force to be reckoned with for many years to follow,” she said. That, she added, “helps build a very strong team as well as many lifelong friendships.”

Alix Baldini coaches Chloe Norman for the Land O’ Lakes girls’ lacrosse team and the Titans.

Baldini knows how beneficial it can be for the girls to essentially play lacrosse year-round.

It gives them more chances to build their skills and to gain exposure, which can be beneficial if they are interested in competing at the college level, she said.

“Lacrosse has grown tremendously within the last decade, especially in areas where most had never heard of the sport unless they were from up north along the east coast,” said the sixth-year coach. “High school lacrosse continues to be one of the top sports played by girls due to its versatility of movements from sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball and hockey, as well as its genuine fun and action-packed atmosphere.”

As the league allows more players, the sport will gain greater exposure and is likely to grow, Baldini said.

“Getting kids into the sport at a young age makes it easier to grow and advance compared to those — who, like me — just started playing when they are introduced to the sport in high school,” she said.

Tampa Titans Tryouts
What: Tryouts for the summer season of the Tampa Titans
When: March 6 and March 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, at the fields
Who: Tryouts open to players currently in seventh grade to 11th grade
Info: Email , or visit https://tampatitanslacrosse.sportngin.com/

By Justin Dargahi

Published February 02, 2022

Champions in cheerleading, and in life

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When the South Pasco Predators Pee Wee cheer team competed at Nationals in Orlando in December, there was the usual excitement at the chance to bring back national honors.

And the girls did it.

They won the cheer squad’s first national championship in a good many years, and they had a big trophy to prove it.

But they didn’t bring that trophy home.

Front base: Lily Kate Paban, Emily Kunze, Payton Lawler, Akilah Polanco, Leah Garner, Ella Cole, Kailynn Fuqua and Isabella Wilson; flyers: Sarah Nubel, Brielle Jordan, Lilianna Haywood, Cora Parks and Kaitlyn Edwards. (Courtesy of Billie Jo Wilson)

Instead, they agreed with their coach, Sabrina Shea, who was inspired to give the trophy to the Pop Warner Manchester RedHawks Pee Wee, from Manchester, Connecticut, another team in the competition.

That team was still reeling from the death of 11-year-old Jaidyn Bolduc, who died on Dec. 2, from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Billie Jo Wilson, cheer mom for the South Pasco Predators, said the team — which is primarily based in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes — wanted to do what it could to help the family that had suffered the tremendous loss.

The South Pasco Predators was one of the last to perform in its division, Wilson said.

They noticed that the Manchester RedHawks, performing its routine just ahead of them, was holding an enlarged photo of a girl, who would have been competing.

“We later found out that she had just been in a car accident (and had died),” Wilson said. “Her family said that she would want them to go out there (to compete).”

The Manchester RedHawks had shared the news of Jaidyn’s death on its Facebook page.

That Dec. 3 post reads: “It is with our deepest sorrow we share the tragic news of the passing of one of our cheerleaders, Jaidyn Bolduc. Words don’t express our heartbreak. We send our condolences to her family and friends and teammates. Jaidyn, we will leave it all on the mat in honor of you at Nationals on Monday. We love you!”

Of course, the South Pasco Predators were thrilled to claim the national title, Wilson said.

But she added: “Even though it was our very first trophy that we’ve won in a long time, our coach was like, ‘Let’s send this to that family.’”

The team agreed.

They sent a note, also posted on the RedHawks’ Facebook page.

It says: “We were heartbroken to hear about your teammate Jaidyn. You all are so strong for persevering and shining bright on the competition floor. It was our honor to compete alongside you and we know that she would be proud. Being able to show the strength and courage that you did, makes your team the true champions.

“We want your team to have this trophy in honor of the amazing job you did. We also wanted to give a medal for her family to have, to show the support of the Pop Warner family.” – South Pasco Predators Pee Wee

The RedHawks responded on its Facebook page: “Today our team received the most beautiful gesture imaginable. Words cannot describe how incredibly grateful and touched we are for the most amazing gesture from the National Champions, South Pasco Predators.

“South Pasco Predators Football & Cheer you are truly a class act, from our family to yours, the sincerest thank you. Thank you for honoring our angel Jaidyn and the team.

“As difficult as this week has been, it’s gestures and acts of kindness like today and over the last week that remind us how beautiful our Pop Warner National Cheer & Dance community is.”

Sandy Piccirillo, Southern CT (Connecticut) Pop Warner cheer coordinator, in the New England Region, also reacted, sending an email to the team, expressing her gratitude for its kind gesture.

“I just wanted to take a minute to write to you all this evening to express how very touched I was to find out that the South Pasco Predators Pee Wee team sent one of my teams, The Manchester RedHawks, their 1st place trophy, banner and a medal to honor one of the RedHawks teammates, Jaidyn Bolduc, whose life was tragically cut short in a motor vehicle accident on Dec. 2.

“The coaches had met with the team and the parents the day after the accident and they all decided they still wanted to come down to Nationals to compete in Jaidyn’s honor.

“They knew this is what Jaidyn would have wanted them to do, but it was still a very emotional and hard day for them as they missed her tremendously.

“The Manchester RedHawks as well as myself were so very touched by this selfless act, this was just a beautiful gesture on behalf of the South Pasco Predators,” Piccirillo wrote.

Wilson, whose daughter Isabella has been on the cheer squad for three years, said there are countless examples of dedication and commitment shown by people involved within the South Pasco Predators Pop Warner organization.

Teams in other divisions within the South Pasco Predators also performed very well at the national championships, with others also winning top honors, Wilson said.

It’s a testimony to the commitment of the cheerleaders and volunteers, she said.

“Nobody is paid. It’s all volunteer,” she said.

“A lot of us who are involved in SPP (South Pasco Predators) are a family.

“Like Jenny (Gynnifer Burnett), the one who runs this, her husband works at the concession; her sister coaches a team; her mom is the one who does the scholastic group,” Wilson said.

And Coach Shea’s daughter, Madison, helps with the choreography.

Burnett, who is the cheer coordinator “lives at the field,” Wilson said. “She’s there all of the time for every football cheer.”

The cheer squad practices for hours each week, between March and December. They travel to competitions and cheer at Pop Warner football games.

It gives the girls a chance to get away from their electronics and get some exercise, Wilson said. It also helps them to become more disciplined, to develop friendships, and, of course, have fun, she said.

And, as a volunteer, she cherishes the extra time she’s able to spend with her daughter.

The sudden death of 11-year-old Jaidyn Bolduc hit home with the parents of the South Pasco Predators’ cheer squad, Wilson said.

“We all got very emotional about that when we found out because our girls are the same age, and to think of one of them not being with us,” her voice trailed off, as she paused, to regain her composure.

South Pasco Predators Pee Wee squad
Head Coach: Sabrina Shea
Assistant Coach: Kristin Lawler
Team Mom: Billie Jo Wilson
Junior Coach: Shae-Lynn Gibbs
Student Demo: Madison Shea

Cheer squad
Abi Redman
Addison Piltaver
Akilah Polanco
Alex Nieves
Allison Harris
Avery Alberger
Brielle Jordon
Chloe Randazzo
Chloe Baron
Cora Parks
Ella Cole
Ella Haywood
Emily Kunze
Isabella Wilson
Jasmine Mitchell
Kailynn Fuqua
Kaitlyn Bahro
Kaitlyn Edwards
Kaydence Cummings
Leah Fletcher
Leah Garner
Lily Strickland
Lilianna Haywood
Lily Kate Laban
Madison Rollyson
Kenzie Shaw
Payton Lawler
Sarah Nubel

South Pasco Predators
South Pasco Predators strives to provide a fun, memorable experience for every athlete who walks on to the program’s field. The team is a Land O’ Lakes-area organization that serves about 500 cheerleaders and football players. All coaches undergo background checks and also are trained to ensure that each athlete has a safe experience within the program. South Pasco Predators works to maintain a family environment where efforts are made to help every child feel at home while taking part in the program. All staff are volunteers.

South Pasco Predators cheer teams are: Challengers, Petites, Tiny Mites, Mighty Mite, Junior Pee Wee, Pee Wee, Junior Varsity and Varsity.

Registrations are underway now. To find out more, email .

South Pasco Predators is part of the Pop Warner organization. For more information, visit PopWarner.com.

South Pasco Predator, National Championship results

  • Varsity Pee Wee 2 Large, national champion
  • Junior Pee Wee 2 Medium, national champion
  • Pee Wee Large, national champion
  • Junior Pee Wee South Pasco Cheer Large, national champion
  • Junio Pee Wee Show Cheer, Level 1, national champion
  • Tiny Mite Gold, second place
  • Varsity Large, fifth place

Published January 26, 2022