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Land O’ Lakes girl is all-star golfer

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Hailey Stricker already has collected a fair number of medals and trophies competing in youth tournaments throughout Tampa Bay.

The 12-year-old from Land O’ Lakes is seeking an addition to her trophy case — as a member of the Clearwater Jr. PGA All-Star team.

The 10-member all-star team will compete on Aug. 26 in the PGA Jr. League North Florida Section Championship at Orlando’s Grand Cypress Golf Club.

Land O’ Lakes resident Hailey Stricker, 12, has notched several top finishes within the Greater Tampa Bay Junior Golf Association. This summer, Stricker was selected to the Clearwater Jr. PGA All-Star team. She is a seventh-grader at Rushe Middle School.
(Courtesy of Brian Stricker)

Earlier this month, the group won a sectional qualifier at Apollo Beach Golf Club, besting a handful of other all-star teams from Tampa, Sarasota and Odessa.

A top finish this weekend would allow the team to advance to the PGA Jr. regional tournament in St. Augustine. Winners from 12 regional tournaments across the country then earn a spot in the seventh PGA Junior League Championship in November in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Stricker, who’s been golfing since age 8, already has made a name for herself within the Greater Tampa Bay Junior Golf Association.

Over the past two years, she’s collected five top-three finishes for her age group. That includes a pair of first place titles she won last October and November, at Wentworth Golf Club and Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, respectively.

Orlando will mark the longest distance that Stricker has traveled to compete in a golf tournament.

She’s optimistic about the team’s chances, even against tougher competition.

“I’m looking forward to our team pulling through it and winning, so we can go to St. Augustine and do that tournament,” said the seventh-grader, who attends Rushe Middle School.

Stricker is one of three girls on the Clearwater Jr. PGA All-Star team.

She was named to the select squad after strong showings all summer in the PGA Junior League at Westchase Golf Club, in Tampa.

Stricker considers it a special honor.

“It’s kind of cool because I tell people I’m on the all-star team, and they’re proud of me. I just feel really good about it because I’ve practiced and worked hard for this moment,” she said.

Her grandfather, Brian Stricker, is enjoying the moment, too. He’s the one who encouraged the young golfer when she showed an interest in the sport four years ago.

“She kind of took to (golf) in a natural way,” her grandfather said. “She can stand up on the tee and, when she gets a good swing on the ball, she can hit the ball 160 yards straight. She has a pretty well-rounded game, and she just has a passion for it that’s really impressive.”

Stricker said she plans to play golf in high school and “definitely” wants to play in college.

Her ultimate goal? “To play on the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour,” she said.

Stricker appears to be on the right path for playing at a high level someday, according to Michael Cestone, who operates the Cestone Golf Academy at Westchase Golf Club.

The golf instructor said Stricker has “great promise” and a “very good skillset.”

“She has all of the basic fundamentals of the game,” said Cestone, who nominated Stricker to the Clearwater all-star team. “She has a good swing. She can chip. She can putt. She can do pretty much any of the shots that you need to play golf — it’s just a matter of getting better.”

Cestone noted Stricker regularly shoots in the high 80s and low 90s from the ladies tees.

He “very soon” foresees Stricker reaching the high 70s and low 80s — a striking feat for a young girl.

“If she stays on the track that she’s on, she’ll play college golf,” Cestone said. “Whether she wants a DI (Division 1) or D2 (Division 2) school, that’ll depend on how much time she’s willing to put into this game,” Cestone said.

Published August 22, 2018

High school football kickoff week

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Jonesing for the return of high school football?

Here’s a look at all the Friday night matchups for teams in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. All Week 1 games are at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 24, unless otherwise noted.

Hillsborough County

St. Petersburg Catholic Barons at Carrollwood Day Patriots (7 p.m.) — Both teams come off losing seasons, but the Patriots feature a large senior class and one of the area’s top quarterbacks in senior Chris Butash.

Freedom Patriots at Steinbrenner Warriors — The Warriors have reigned supreme in this matchup the last three years (and hold the series lead 4-1). However, the Patriots will have arguably the best player on the field in senior receiver/safety Jeremiah Ashe, who boasts over a dozen Division I FBS scholarship offers.

Gaither Cowboys at Chamberlain Chiefs — The Cowboys’ strong running attack (262.5 yards per game in 2017) will be imperative to keep the Chiefs offense and senior quarterback Tyler Riddell off the field; Riddell, a University of Akron commit, threw for 30 touchdowns and just four interceptions last season.

Pasco County

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic Hurricanes at Shorecrest Prep Chargers (7 p.m.) — Last time these teams met was in 2013, where the Hurricanes were shut out 40-0. The Hurricanes should have better luck this time around, with Shorecrest Prep coming off a 1-6 campaign.

Cypress Creek Coyotes at Gulf Buccaneers — The Coyotes are seeking its first official win in program history after it was forced to forfeit its 12-0 victory against Gulf last season.

Coming off a 10-2 mark, the Zephyrhills Bulldogs and head coach Nick Carroll, right, figure to again be one of Pasco County’s top teams this fall. They play Wiregrass Ranch on Friday at 7:30 p.m. (File)

Land O’ Lakes Gators at Citrus Hurricanes — Gators first-year head coach Chad Walker faces a relatively manageable test against a Hurricanes squad that has just six seniors and is without several key contributors from last season.

Pasco Pirates at Hudson Cobras — Pasco won last year’s matchup 22-10 and holds the overall series lead, 6-2. A victory here would be a good start for the Pirates, who are seeking their first winning season since 2014.

Sunlake Seahawks at Wesley Chapel Wildcats — Wesley Chapel handily beat Sunlake last year (42-24). Doing so again likely won’t be as easy, as the Wildcats have lost some of the county’s top offensive and defensive players from 2017, including Isaiah Bolden, Dexter Leverett, Malik Melvin and Austin Wittish.

Wiregrass Ranch Bulls at Zephyrhills Bulldogs — Two of Pasco County’s top squads square off in what should be an exciting, back-and-forth affair. Adding fuel to the fire: Former Zephyrhills head coach Reggie Roberts is now an assistant at Wiregrass Ranch.

Later Week 1 games:

North Florida Christian (Tallahassee) at Zephyrhills Christian Warriors (Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m.) — A good barometer for both teams coming off eight-win seasons and appearances in the FHSAA Class 2A playoffs.

Donahue Catholic Shamrocks (Ave Maria) at Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (Sept. 7, 7 p.m.) — The defending FCAPPS eight-man state champions shouldn’t have much trouble against the visiting Shamrocks; the Wildcats won last year’s contest 36-0.

Compiled by Kevin Weiss

Published August 22, 2018

Prep football primer

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With high school football practices in full swing and games beginning Aug. 24, here’s a look at teams, players and games to watch as the 2018 season unfolds, for programs in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Teams to watch:

Academy at the Lakes will aim to defend its FCAPPS eight-man state title. (File)

Academy at the Lakes Wildcats
The defending Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools’ (FCAPPs) eight-man champions — who also went 11-1 — appear to be in line for another solid campaign, even with the exodus of a handful of top players such as running back/linebacker Daniel Gonzalez, receiver Isaiah Smith and defensive back Jordan Oladokun, who transferred to Gaither High School for his sophomore season.

The talent cupboard isn’t completely bare, with a roster that includes a combined 17 juniors and seniors. Along with FCAPPS Coach of the Year Shawn Brown, the Wildcats return a handful of All-Conference or All-State players in sophomore quarterback Jalen Brown, sophomore offensive lineman Andrew Kilfoyl and senior defensive lineman Dylan Price. Also expect significant contributions from senior tailback Jamaal Johnson (1,093 all-purpose yards, nine touchdowns) and senior tight end/defensive end Tioma Stepanets (221 yards, four touchdowns; 52 tackles, four sacks).

New Land O’ Lakes head coach Chad Walker looks to steer the Gators to its first winning season since 2013.

Land O’ Lakes High Gators
The Gators will look to secure its first winning season since 2013, under new head coach Chad Walker. The 34-year-old played professional football in Italy and Sweden, and spent several years as a college assistant, before delving into the high school coaching ranks. Walker inherits a sizable roster that includes 1,000-yard rusher Kyle Leivas and leading tackler Myron Bloom (76 tackles, five tackles for loss). Aside from those senior standouts, the Gators must find consistent quarterback play and additional offensive contributors.

The schedule doesn’t offer a ton of favors for the new Gators coaching staff. A tough district slate includes Mitchell and Springstead, along with other formidable opponents, such as Anclote, Hernando, and Lakeland Christian — each of which had winning seasons last year.

Wiregrass Ranch High Bulls
Wiregrass Ranch will have to move on from having one of the county’s most highly recruited football prospects in years — defensive back Jordan Miner, now at Penn State — plus a bevy of top contributors on offense such as 1,000-yard rusher Adrian Thomas, now at Division III Thiel College (Greenville, Pennsylvania).

The Bulls, however, should have enough reinforcements in place for a third straight winning season, after going 9-3 last year and 7-4 in 2016 under head coach Mark Kantor.

Incumbent quarterback Grant Sessums returns for his senior year after throwing for 1,483 yards, eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. Other key returnees include senior receiver/defensive back Dorien Green, senior defensive lineman Kasean Ridgel, and junior linebacker Dylan Ridolph, who tallied 89 tackles, and led the team in sacks (15) and tackles for loss (23). Also expect contributions from several up-and-coming players who’ll move up from a junior varsity team that went 6-1 last season.

Coming off a 10-2 mark and District 8-5A crown, Zephyrhills High could be in store for another dominant season.

Zephyrhills High Bulldogs
Zephyrhills fans will have to get used to rooting for a new quarterback, following the graduation of Charles Harrison III — who became one of the county’s most prolific signal callers in his three years as a starter.

Luckily for the Bulldogs, whoever takes snaps certainly won’t lack throwing options, with arguably the region’s top receiving corps — seniors Ja’Quan Sheppard (35 catches, 797 yards, 13 touchdowns), Tre’ Pavis Mobley (41 receptions, 640 yards, 10 touchdowns) Cartrell Strong (25 receptions, 410 yards, four touchdowns) and Tyreese Wigfall (15 receptions, 286 yards, seven touchdowns). Another constant is third-year head coach Nick Carroll, who’s tactfully built off the sustained success of former coach Reggie Roberts, going 10-2 and 8-3 his first two seasons, respectfully. With a collection of Division I and college talent, don’t be surprised if the program secures its eighth straight winning season. Last year the Bulldogs outscored opponents by a margin of 562-209 and went undefeated in District 8-5A. That included several blowouts against the likes of Sunlake (36-7), Ridgewood (59-7), Fivay (70-0), Gulf (70-0), Hudson (63-0) and Pasco (43-13).

Zephyrhills Christian Academy’s Malik Jones (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Christian Academy)

Zephyrhills Christian Academy
The Warriors have transitioned to 11-man football under head coach Mike Smith, going 8-3-1, 7-2 and 4-4 the past three years, respectively. Now coming off a playoff appearance in the Class 2A ranks, the team figures to have another big season, as 24 of its 27 players are juniors or seniors. Among that senior group, on offense, is starting quarterback Jacoby Braxton, leading receiver Kavbion Marbra, and Javion Hanner, who tallied over 1,000 all-purpose yards and led all skill players with 10 touchdowns. Meanwhile, on defense, most contributors return to a unit that last season allowed fewer than nine points per game and racked up 51 sacks and 16 interceptions. Among the standouts are Marbra (five interceptions at cornerback) and defensive end/linebacker Jalen Spencer (21 sacks). The team’s second-leading tackler from last season, Eugene Davis (94 total tackles), also returns.

Five more players to watch:

Chris Butash, quarterback, Carrollwood Day School, senior
The skinny: Butash, who lives in Wesley Chapel and formerly attended Academy at the Lakes, is coming off a season where he threw for 2,088 yards and 18 touchdowns/15 interceptions, and rushed for 570 yards and six touchdowns. Verbal commit to Division I FCS Holy Cross (Worcester, Massachusetts).

Darrion Robinson, receiver, Pasco High School, junior
The skinny: Coming off a breakout season where he caught 25 balls for 577 yards and eight touchdowns. His 23.1 yards per reception ranked tops in Pasco County.

Malik Jones, offensive/defensive lineman, Zephyrhills Christian Academy, junior
The skinny: The 6-foot-3, 300-pound lineman is an intimidating force on both sides of the trenches, particularly on defense posting 60 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and four sacks last season. A multisport athlete, Jones is also one of the state’s top heavyweight wrestlers, finishing third at the 2018 FHSAA Class 1A State Championship in March. Holds a scholarship offer from Division III Mount Union (Alliance, Ohio).

Freedom High’s Jeremiah Ashe (Courtesy of Freedom High School)

Jeremiah Ashe, receiver/safety, Freedom High School, senior
The skinny: Formidable two-way player that snagged six interceptions on defense, while posting 945 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns on offense. Claims over a dozen Division I FBS offers, including Cincinnati, South Florida and Rutgers universities.

Jeromy Reid, running back, Gaither High School, senior
The skinny: Rushed for 1,110 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Tallied five 100-yard games, including a monstrous 267-yard, two touchdown performance against Brandon High early last season. Holds Division I FBS offers from Western Kentucky and South Florida universities.

Games to watch:

Wiregrass Ranch at Zephyrhills  (Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m.) — Two of Pasco County’s top squads last year square off in the first week of the 2018 season.

Sunlake at Land O’ Lakes (Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m.) — The annual “Butter Bowl” rivalry has been one-sided of late — Sunlake has won eight straight (including one via forfeit in 2011) — but Land O’ Lakes figures to be more competitive with the matchup on its home turf and the Seahawks coming off an uncharacteristic losing season (4-6 in 2017).

Zephyrhills at Pasco (Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m.) — The annual 9-Mile War may be more heated after Pasco head coach Tom McHugh this summer accused Zephyrhills’ coaches of recruiting improprieties, based on a July letter sent to Pasco County athletic director Matt Wicks. While the Pirates lead the all-time series 40-20, Zephyrhills has won the past three contests by a combined 138-29.

Zephyrhills Christian at Victory Christian (Lakeland) (Oct. 5, 7 p.m.) — The Warriors seek to avenge its 12-0 loss in the first round of last year’s FHSAA Class 2A playoffs.

Gaither at Wiregrass Ranch (Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.) — Matchup could decide the District 8-7A runner-up — as it has the past two years — assuming Plant High repeats as district champs.

Schools in Laker/Lutz News Coverage Area (and their 2017 records)

Hillsborough County:
Carrollwood Day School Patriots (Class 2A-Region 3): 2-7 overall, 1-2 district
Freedom High School Patriots (Class 7A-Region 8): 3-6 overall, 2-4 district
Gaither High School Cowboys (Class 7A-Region 8): 7-4 overall, 5-1 district
Steinbrenner High School Warriors (Class 8A-Region 6): 2-7 overall, 1-5 district

Pasco County:
Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (eight-man Florida Christian Region 2): 11-1 overall, 7-0 district
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes (Independent-Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC): 3-7 overall, 2-2 district
Cypress Creek Middle High School Coyotes (Class 4A-Region 3): 0-11 overall, 0-0 district
Land O’ Lakes High School Gators (Class 6A-Region 6): 4-5 overall, 1-3 district
Pasco High School Pirates (Class 6A-Region 6): 4-7 overall, 0-4 district
Sunlake High School Seahawks (Class 6A-Region 6): 4-6 overall, 2-2 district
Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats (Class 5A-Region 8): 6-4 overall, 4-3 district
Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls (Class 7A-Region 8): 9-3 overall, 4-2 district
Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs (Class 5A-Region 8): 10-2 overall, 7-0 district
Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors (Class 2A-Region 2): 8-3 overall, 0-1 district

Published August 15, 2018

Wesley Chapel boxer has big goals in sight

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From the likes of Jeff Lacey and Keith Thurman, to Winky Wright and Antonio Tarver, the list of world boxing champions with ties to Tampa Bay runs deep.

Wesley Chapel’s Evander Lamourt wants to be next.

Since turning pro in 2016, the 26-year-old super featherweight has compiled a 4-1 record and actively ranks among the top 100 boxers in the United States for his weight class.

Lamourt, who moved to Wesley Chapel from New Jersey at age 14, was an accomplished amateur fighter before that.

Lamourt, who graduated from Wesley Chapel High School and attended Saint Leo University, was one of the nation’s top amateurs before turning pro in 2016. (Courtesy of Joe Mestas)

From 2013 to 2015, USA Boxing ranked him among the top ten fighters in the light welterweight elite division. Across 65 amateur bouts, Lamourt was a seven-time state champion, two-time Florida State PAL (Police Athletic/Activities League) boxing champion, and 2013 Florida Golden Gloves state champion.

Beefing up his professional boxing resume is the next focus for Lamourt, who graduated from Wesley Chapel High School and studied at Saint Leo University.

He plans to schedule five to seven more fights through the end of next year. The next likely will be in September at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, through Fight Night Promotions.

The busy slate is all in hopes of hitting the radar of any one of boxing’s four sanctioning bodies: World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization.

In order to be considered for a title fight, pro boxers typically must have at least seven to nine fights under their belt, said Roi Maya, who represents Lamourt through Urban Athlete Management.

“I would like to next year win some junior belts. They’re not world titles, but they’re belts that help you climb the ladder against some better opposition and, if not by the end of next year, by 2020 I would like to be fighting for a world title,” said Lamourt, who trains at the St. Pete Boxing Club and Punch Boxing Wesley Chapel.

Known as a boxer-puncher, Lamourt and his trainers of late have focused heavily on honing his strength and power.

Lamourt explained: “Last couple fights I’ve been very patient, trying to get the rounds in. But this next fight, we’re really emphasizing power, and we’re expecting these next couple fights to end with knockouts.”

The quest for a world title goes beyond a personal ambition. It’s also to support his wife and future family.

“I love boxing,” he said, “but my ultimate goal is to be able to put my kids through college before they’re even born.”

Wesley Chapel’s Evander Lamourt hopes to be the next in line of Tampa-area boxers to win a world championship. Since turning pro over two years ago, the 26-year-old super featherweight has compiled a 4-1 record and actively ranks among the top 100 boxers in the United States for his weight class.

Though he didn’t start boxing competitively until he was 15, the sport’s been entrenched in Lamourt’s family, of which several members were boxers at one point, including his father.

In fact, Lamourt was named after four-time world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield.

He also grew up watching boxing greats like Oscar De La Hoya, Felix Trinidad, Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosley and, of course, Holyfield.

“It was always something I wanted to do, a passion of mine,” said Lamourt

His boxing career hasn’t been without some punches.

Lamourt admits to losing a lot of fights early in his amateur career, as he often faced more experienced and skilled boxers.

Going toe to toe against better competition early on served him well later on, however.

“I was fighting some very accomplished amateur fighters. I wasn’t winning, but I was learning every time,” Lamourt said.

“I definitely had some talent, but I didn’t know from the beginning that I would become as good as I have now. I always worked hard, but I was a slow learner. I struggled at the beginning a lot — a lot of ups and downs to get to where I am now.”

Along the way Lamourt picked up the nickname “Lionheart,” from his brother.

Said Lamourt, “Everybody that’s always seen me fight since I was a kid, any fight, people knew they were in for a tough fight because I had a lot of heart, even if the other guy was more skilled.”

Whatever comes of a world title shot, Lamourt said he expects to continue boxing through his early 30s. From there, he’s considered opening a slew of boxing gyms to inspire and mold the next generation of young fighters.

“It’s all about desire,” Lamourt said of being a successful fighter. “Coming up, I could’ve stopped boxing several times if I would’ve listened to other people saying, ‘It’s a rough sport, it’s this, it’s that, you’re not talented enough for it…’ People pigeonhole boxers into like a specific type of person. If you love something and have the work ethic, you can achieve anything.”

Published August 8, 2018

Land O’ Lakes youth reaches motocross championship

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Colt Golembeski’s dream of racing in the sport’s premiere amateur competition is coming true this week.

The 10-year-old Land O’ Lakes resident is competing this week in the 37th Annual Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, held at the iconic Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

Colt Golembeski began riding dirt bikes at age 6. Qualifying for amateur nationals isn’t the only accomplishment the young rider has had. In 2017, Golembeski won the Florida Winter Amateur Series 65cc 7-9 division. In 2016, he won the Dade City MX Triple Crown Series for his age group. (Courtesy of Brian Golembeski)

Golembeski, who began racing at age 6, endured a series of area and regional qualifiers in multiple states to earn one of 1,446 coveted spots, out of about 22,000 hopefuls. The national championship event runs through Aug. 4.

The lengthy qualification period ran from April through June, and took Golembeski throughout Florida, Illinois, Tennessee, Ohio and Virginia.

His performance culminated with a fifth-place finish in the 65cc 10-11 division at the Loretta Lynn’s Northeast Regional Qualifiers at Birch Creek Motorsports Park, in Sutherlin, Virginia. Only the top six finishers in each racing class from each regional earned a spot to amateur nationals.

Golembeski said the feeling “was awesome” when he crossed the finish line and realized he qualified for the Loretta Lynn Amateur Nationals: “I mean, I was like yelling, ‘Yeah!’”

“Man, we were ecstatic,” added Golembeski’s father, Brian, who travels race to race with his son. “It’s hard to explain to people that are outside the sport, but it’s like going to the Super Bowl — it’s huge.”

Not unlike the Super Bowl, just reaching the exclusive national race is an achievement in itself, said Golembeski’s father.

It requires an immense amount of time, effort and skill — not to mention a little luck, he said.

The Loretta Lynn AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship is regarded as the premiere amateur national series in the United States, and the proving grounds for America’s future professional Supercross and Motocross riders. Colt Golembeski earned one of the 1,446 spots, out of approximately 22,000 hopefuls. (Courtesy of MX Sports Inc.)

He explained: “You can fall, you can have bike problems, you have all the different variables, different tracks, different guys, and, on top of it, they’re all good (riders),” he said.

“There’s tons of skill and all that, but then you’ve gotta put all of it together and on that day have everything go right,” he added.

Loretta Lynn’s, as it’s simply called, is “a Holy Grail of sorts” for motocross riders, as it tends to be the final stop for amateur riders before entering the pro ranks.

Many of America’s top professional motocross racers, including James Stewart, Ricky Carmichael, Travis Pastrana and Ryan Dungey, have won AMA Amateur National titles at Loretta Lynn’s.

Golembeski, who’s entering the fifth grade at Florida Virtual School, will compete in 65cc and 85cc classes. In total, there are 35 different classes of competition, for children as young as age 4, all the way up to a senior division for riders over 50.

Racers will compete in three 15- to 20-minute races per class over the course of the week.

The track contains a variety of jumps, corners and other obstacles, all designed to test the skills and stamina of racers.

That could work to Golembeski’s advantage, who said he likes to ride on “really rough, deep rutted tracks.”

Golembeski trains locally at Dade City MX, Tampa MX and Spyder MX in Wildwood. He said he’s worked to “just get better at riding everyday,” specifically getting faster out of the starting gate.

In addition to the tracks, Golembeski said he’s “done tons of stuff” to up his strength and endurance in preparation for the event — everything from riding his road bike and running regularly, to weightlifting and other bodyweight exercises.

The fitness component, his father said, may be the key to gaining an edge against competitors: “One of the big parts of this race is not only being a good rider, but being physically super-fit,” he said.

“That’s what really separates guys, because they all get really good and then the strongest guys are able to hold that for the entire Moto,” he added.

Golembeski is no stranger to success at big races.

In 2017, he won the Florida Winter Amateur Series 65cc 7-9 division. The year before that, he won the Dade City MX Triple Crown Series for his age group. He’s also collected several other top-five and top-10 finishes in other major during the past couple years.

“He’s done really, really well, in a short period. He’s a good rider,” Golembeski’s father said. “He’s a strong, physical rider.”

Determined to perform well in his first appearance at Loretta Lynn’s, Golembeski also wants to have some fun and take in the entire experience with his mom and dad, who are all trekking to Tennessee in an RV.

Besides the races, the weeklong event hosts many family friendly activities, including swimming, a talent show, concerts and live entertainment, making it an ultimate family vacation.

“I just want to do the best I can and see where that is — if it’s first (place) or it’s 15th,” Golembeski said.

Loretta Lynn’s isn’t the only big race for Golembeski this year, however.

He also plans to compete in the Ponca City (Oklahoma) MX Amateur Nationals in October and the Thor Winter Mini-Olympics (Alachua) in November.

He estimates he’s raced in more than 60 events since picking up the sport nearly four years ago.

“I just love riding my bike and feeling free. It’s just like my whole other world,” the 10-year-old said.

Published August 1, 2018

Academy at the Lakes gets a new baseball coach

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Just two months after guiding Carrollwood Day School to the state final four, Ken Akins looks to achieve similar results at another local private school.

Akins is the new head baseball coach at Academy at the Lakes (AATL), replacing John DiBenedetto, who left the Wildcats program after three seasons for an athletic director position at Mother of Teresa Calcutta Catholic School, a kindergarten through eighth grade school in Lutz.

Ken Akins is the new head baseball coach at Academy at the Lakes. This past season he guided Carrollwood Day School to a 24-4 record and state final four appearance. (Courtesy of Academy at the Lakes)

Under DiBenedetto, AATL achieved its first winning season in program history, a 12-10 record and 6-4 district mark in the 2A ranks. He exits as the program’s winningest coach with 29 career wins.

With a solid foundation in place, Akins is tasked with taking the Wildcats program to even greater heights — like he did at his previous stop.

Carrollwood Day went 24-4 and reached the Class 3A state semifinals — its best finish in program history — in Akins’ lone season as head coach. Moreover, all six of his graduating seniors on that squad signed to play college baseball. Prior to that, Akins previously served as an assistant coach at the school for five seasons.

Akins, however, said the AATL position “was one that I just really couldn’t turn down.” He also noted a “tighter community” and “stronger academics” for his two children.

“We did have success at Carrollwood Day, but I love to build programs, and that opportunity on the baseball side was very, very inviting,” Akins said. “The thought process of putting a two-to-four year program together is extremely exciting for me.”

An initial goal is increasing overall participation for the program’s varsity roster, while establishing full-fledged junior varsity and middle school teams, said Tom Haslam, AATL’s athletic director.

The Wildcats had just 13 players on the 2018 varsity roster. Four of those players were middle-schoolers.

“We need that roster right away,” Haslam said, acknowledging that’s usually a challenge for smaller schools like AATL. “Baseball is one of the hardest sports to build because you need a number of players.

“There’s a big difference in having 13 players on your varsity roster and 20 players on your varsity roster,” he said.

Academy at the Lakes baseball celebrated its first-ever winning season with the help of a roster chock-full of young players, including, from left: freshmen Jack Teeter, Andrew Kilfoyl and Spencer Boynton. It will now look to build upon that success with new Wildcats head coach Ken Akins. (File)

To solve this dilemma, Akins said he plans to tap into baseball connections throughout Hillsborough County to find more players and encourage kids already enrolled at AATL to try out for the team.

“There’s no question that we’ve gotta build the numbers at Academy,” Akins said. “It starts with getting the Academy name out there in the community. I think spreading the word inside the hallways is a great way to get it going.”

Another designated goal for Akins is drumming up more support for an on-campus baseball field.

Last season they played their “home” games nearly 45 minutes away from the school campus, at Northwest Little League near Leto High School. They also hold practice at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

“There is no question that Academy needs its own home facility,” Akins said. “You build facilities and kids will come. You put a quality facility out there and that just adds to the complete package that Academy can offer.”

Meantime, Akins is focused fielding a quality team come springtime, and, perhaps competing for district crowns in the crowded 11-team District 5-2A.

The Wildcats appear to have talent to do so someday, provided most of the players from last season return, aside from its two graduating seniors.

In 2018, the team batted a collective .347 with a .455 on-base percentage, setting a program record in about every offensive statistical category, from home runs (nine) and doubles (34), to RBIs (144), runs scored (171) and stolen bases (94).

The pitching staff combined to post a 3.94 team ERA and 179 strikeouts in 126 innings pitched that season.

“You’ve gotta buy into the program,” Akins said of building a top-notch contender. “The bottom line is the kids need to, obviously, understand what the goal is and then to be able to buy into the daily routine, which in turn, creates success.”

The school’s athletic director believes Akins is up to the task — citing his overall baseball acumen and dedication to coaching.

“He’s just a grinder,” Haslam said of the new baseball coach. “He’s one of those guys that just works hard all year round and that’s what we needed. It’s one thing to be a good coach in-between the lines, but there’s so much that a small-school high school coach has to do year-round to promote his program and build something, especially if it’s not an already established program.

“We’re not starting from scratch, but we’ve basically been in the middle of our district for the last several years, and we think Ken, with his passion and work ethic year-round, can get us to that next level and vie for district championships, consistently.”

Published July 25, 2018

Lutz resident re-ups with D.C. United

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After spending the past year with the D.C. United Academy, Adam Hassan is back for more — re-signing with the Major League Soccer club for the 2018-2019 season, to compete on its U-19 developmental squad.

The 5-foot-10 midfielder/defender bypassed his junior year at Steinbrenner High School last August, to enter the D.C. United Academy U-17 program.

Lutz resident and former Steinbrenner High soccer standout Adam Hassan will play on the D.C. United Academy’s U-19 squad. He is among a rare group of a few dozen players chosen to join the Academy, which scouts regionally and internationally for young talent exhibiting professional potential.
(Courtesy of Melissa Hassan)

The Lutz resident earned that opportunity after his game film and a tryout caught the eye of D.C. United staff.

In May, the Washington D.C.-based club formally invited Hassan back for another season.

In a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News, Hassan called it “an honor” and “very cool” to again don the pro team’s badge.

For him and others, re-upping with the MLS development academy creates a more systematic route to play in college, and perhaps, the pro ranks someday.

He is among a rare group of a few dozen players chosen to join the Academy, which scouts regionally and internationally for young talent exhibiting professional potential.

Through it, Hassan and others have received access to top-caliber coaching and advanced training methods, and have the opportunity to play in arguably the most competitive league in North America, the United States Soccer Developmental Academy (USSDA).

Stepping into a program and league with such prestige was initially surreal for Hassan, who also played club soccer with the Lutz-based Tampa Rangers for several years.

He explained: “I’d definitely say at first, it was a bit intimidating. I mean, you’re walking in with kids over on the (U.S.) national team, or just on their way. I like the challenge. It’s fun, so I was a bit excited as well — a mixture of nervous and excited.”

The uptick in competition wasn’t the only adjustment he had to make.

It was also leaving behind family and friends in Lutz, and gaining familiarity with new coaches and teammates.

“It’s just a completely new environment,” Hassan said, noting it took about a month to really feel comfortable with his surroundings.

Part of that new environment is more structured soccer training, at a higher frequency than high schoolers typically receive.

The D.C. United Academy has been one of the most successful MLS academies. It sent 16 players in 2016 to Division I soccer programs.

It often means practice sessions twice a day, plus more instruction, more drills, more workouts and more competitive matches.

The development teams practice just like the pros, using the same training facilities at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.

“It’s almost like a full-time job,” he said.

“I definitely had to improve my time management skills,” added Hassan, who will also manage his soccer schedule with his Florida Virtual School course load.

“It’s a complete, professional environment,” he said.

He added: “They’re molding us to be the professionals, so they give us the same environment, so we can become the best that we can.”

So far, the move up north appears to be paying off.

By training regularly with Academy coaches, including Ryan Martin and Nate Kish—both experienced former Division I college assistants — Hassan said he’s made definite strides in his overall skill level and touch. His ability to think quickly in game action has improved, too.

Everything has sharpened, he said. “My mind has sped up, because you have to play quickly to compete.”

Hassan also said he straightened out his long-ball — an attempt to move the ball a long distance down the field via a long aerial kick to an attacking player — which, at times, had a tendency to curve away from his intended target.

“I finally was able to fix it and drive it down the line. I was able to get it right where I want it to go, and still at a high pace,” Hassan said.

One noted difference between high school ball and his new team is playing time, where it comes at a premium in development academies.

Back in 2016, Hassan was the only sophomore in Steinbrenner’s starting lineup, playing a total of 1,350 minutes — more than any 10th-grader in school history.

With the D.C. United Academy, however, Hassan has had to grind his way to more action.

He began the 2017-2018 season playing about 5 minutes per game. He eventually worked his way up to playing halves after improving his skills during the course of the season. “You have to inch your way in by slowly working harder and harder, and, correcting all (your) flaws,” he said.

This summer, Hassan has been soaking up his time back in Lutz.

But, he’s also been focused on “getting right back into shape” through an offseason workout and training regimen prescribed by D.C. United Academy staff.

Hassan is set to return to Washington D.C., on Aug. 5.

He’s looking forward to continuing to develop his soccer skills and reconnecting with teammates.

Earning more playing time and making the U.S. Soccer Development Academy playoffs are a couple of his goals for the 2018-2019 campaign. “I always want to get better,” he said.

Hassan, too, hopes to get on the radar college soccer programs this season and earn some college scholarship offers. He also wants to play professionally some day, either in the U.S. or overseas.

He’s seems to be in the right place to do so.

In 2016, D.C. United sent 16 players to Division I soccer programs. Additionally, eight Academy players have gone on to professional homegrown contracts since its inception in 2005.

Published July 18, 2018

Distance runner receives Academic All-State honors

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As he was busy shattering school records in cross country and track, Freedom High School’s Alejandro Michel was also leading the pack in the classroom — posting a weighted 8.8285 grade-point average and earning salutatorian honors for the Class of 2018.

As a four-year member of Freedom High’s track and cross country teams, Alejandro Michel set school records in the cross country 5K (16:18), and, in the 1,600 meter (4:35.26) and 3,200 meter (9:50.66) runs for track. He plans to try out for the Florida State University track team at some point, and hopes to run professionally or semi-professionally.
(Courtesy of Alejandro Michel)

Those accomplishments resulted in a rare statewide designation for student-athletes: Alejandro Michel was one of 24 athletes named to the Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team.

The recognition program honors graduating seniors who excel in both athletics and academics. He was just one of 12 male athletes receiving the honor.

Each Academic All-State Team member was recognized at a banquet on June 11 in Gainesville. Each also received a $1,700 scholarship and a commemorative medallion.

“Really, a big honor,” Michel said of the prestigious student-athlete designation, in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “Throughout high school my two main focuses were really just running and academics, so, this was something I genuinely enjoyed.”

The 2018 Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team selection committee received applications from 146 qualified student-athletes and evaluated them based on athletic participation, academic record, extracurricular activities, community service, and essay.

Michel, who graduated in May, checked all those boxes — and then some.

Besides being Freedom High’s second-highest ranked graduate, Michel earned his associate’s degree from Hillsborough Community College. He also was a member of the mathematics honor society, Mu Alpha Theta, where he placed third in the Calculus division of the Math Bowl.

Athletically, as a four-year member of the track and cross country teams, Michel set school records in the cross country 5K (16:18), and, in the 1,600 meter (4:35.26) and 3,200 meter (9:50.66) runs for track, respectively.

When not busy with studies or running, Michel tutored students in math and spent hours volunteered at the Florida Hospital in Tampa.

Balancing the many demands came naturally to Michel.

That’s because, according to him, distance running and education are perfect complements to one another in establishing a positive, well-balanced lifestyle.

The discipline, dedication and focus required to excel in distance running also helped him focus in his studies.

“I think they both aid each other really well,” Michel said. “I can’t see myself being just a runner, and, I can’t see myself being just a student. Really, if I get tired of running, I like learning, and, when I get tired of learning, I can take a break outside and go for a run.”

He added: “Distance runners share a certain mentality they can’t find in other sports, maybe in a few other endurance sports. Running is special, not just for skill and being physically fit, but mentally, as well.”

When he was a freshman, he woke each weekday at 3 a.m. to go for a run before school. Then, he would run with the cross country and track teams after school. It was lights out at 6 p.m.

“It was definitely tough,” Michel said of the two-a-days, “but it set me up well to break records in the next couple years.”

Up next: College and more running
Michel plans to attend Florida State University this fall.

Michel was one of 24 student-athletes (and one of 12 boys) named to the Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team, a recognition program that honors graduating seniors who excel in both athletics and academics. In addition to breaking a combined three school records in cross country and track & field, Michel posted a weighted 8.8285 grade-point average and earned salutatorian honors for the Class of 2018.
(Courtesy of Alejandro Michel)

He intends to major in statistics and minor in computer science through an accelerated program which will allow him to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in three years.

Career-wise, he’s determined to become an actuary and pursue a professional or semi-professional running career, on the side.

Michel said he’ll formally try out for the FSU track team at some point, but may take this year to train on his own. He recently began training with a new running coach who’s geared workouts for longer races, such as 8Ks and 10Ks, and eventually marathons.

Frankly, Michel can’t picture himself not being a competitive runner.

“I tell myself, ‘If I’m willing to run, I might as well give it my all,’” Michel said.

He added: “When you’re really becoming successful, you can either look at the idea of becoming successful as a motivator, or, you can really like the process — and with running, I really enjoy running.”

The runner lists his mother, Zandra Michel, and younger brother, Max Michel, as key influences in his academic and athletic prowess.

He recalls being in fifth grade, regularly jogging 5 miles with his mother as the start of his running career. “Eventually, I got to the point where I was able to not only maintain with her, but eventually pass her,” he said.

Max, meanwhile, also pushed him to succeed. They are two of seven siblings, close enough in age that Max also graduated high school this year, from Middleton High School.

Like his brother, Max has also made a name for himself, last year being elected national president of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). It is the world’s largest student career organization, boasting 230,000 students.

The younger sibling also was a member of his school’s swim team, appearing in multiple district and regional meets.

The brothers will room with each other at FSU this fall.

2018 Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced the 24 student-athletes for the 24th annual Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team, a recognition program that honors graduating seniors who excel in both athletics and academics.

One of the more important special recognition programs the FHSAA sponsors, a total of 12 girls and 12 boys from across the state received a total of $50,000 in scholarships.

The 2018 Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team selection committee received applications from 146 qualified student-athletes and evaluated them based off of athletic participation, academic record, extracurricular activities, community service, and essay.

Published July 11, 2018

Academy at the Lakes leads area on All-State picks

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With the high school softball season complete, the 2018 Miracle Sports All-State teams were released June 15, recognizing Florida’s top players.

Nineteen athletes from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were recognized, either as first-team, second-team or honorable mention.

The Academy at the Lakes varsity softball team had six representatives on the 2018 Miracle Sports All-State team. The Wildcats won the Class 2A state championship last month. (Courtesy of Academy at the Lakes softball)

Unsurprisingly, the Class 2A state champion, Academy at the Lakes Wildcats, had the most representatives from the area among all classifications, with a total of six selections in Class 2A.

Further, Wildcats head coach Diane Stephenson, freshman shortstop Brooke Blankenship and junior pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl earned Class 2A Coach of the Year, Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year honors, respectively.

Last month, the Wildcats (26-4) claimed its first-ever state title, defeating Monticello Aucilla Christian 1-0 in 11 innings on May 22 in the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 2A state finals at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach.

Along with Stephenson, a former longtime Division I softball coach, Blankenship and Kilfoyl proved integral to the Wildcats success all season.

Blankenship, a Florida State University commit, batted .467 and led the team in home runs (six), doubles (12), hits (42) and runs scored (41). Defensively, she posted a .940 fielding percentage and committed just two errors the entire season.

In the state title game, Blankenship plated the winning run on a two-out single in the 11th inning.

Meantime, Kilfoyl was a force both in the circle and at the plate.

The 2017-2018 Gatorade Florida Softball Player of the Year and University of Alabama commit went 23-1, posting a 0.32 earned run average and 249 strikeouts in 154 innings pitched, with opposing batters hitting a mere .097 against her.

As a hitter, Kilfoyl led the Wildcats in batting average (.482) and RBIs (35), along with five home runs, nine doubles and 41 hits.

Kilfoyl pitched a complete game shutout in the state title game and singled in the game-winning run (scored by Blankenship).

Wildcats freshman infielder Devyne Davis joins Blankenship and Kilfoyl as first-team selections, while eighth-grade catcher Hannah Church, freshman infielder Vanessa Alexander and seventh-grade outfielder Caitlin Blankenship were second-team choices.

Land O’ Lakes High junior Callie Turner was named 2018 Miracle Sports’ Class 6A Player of the Year as well as Pitcher of the Year — an award she also won in 2017. (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes softball)

Academy at the Lakes wasn’t the only Land O’ Lakes-based school well-represented on the All-State team, however.

In Class 6A, Land O’ Lakes High junior Callie Turner picked up both Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year honors.

Turner, a University of Tennessee commit, went 17-6, posting a 0.78 earned run average and 252 strikeouts in 153.1 innings pitched. She tallied 20 complete games, including one no-hitter and six shutouts.

Also a solid hitter, Turner batted .309 and six RBIs in 65 plate appearances.

Turner— also the Class 6A Pitcher of the Year in 2017 — was joined on the first-team by Ashley Smith, a senior infielder for the Gators (25-7), which finished state runner-up, falling to Plantation American Heritage 5-1 in the Class 6A state championship game on May 24.

In Class 7A, Sunlake High outfielders Kendra Falby, a freshman, and Paige Maseda, a junior, were named to the second-team, while senior catcher Emma Sica was an honorable mention.

The Seahawks (23-3) lost to Braden River 4-2 in the Class 7A regional semifinals on May 2.

Other schools in our coverage area also had showings on the All-State list, for their respective classifications.

Cypress Creek, a first-year program in Class 5A that finished 15-9, had four representatives — junior infielder Payton Hudson (first-team), junior catcher Neely Peterson (second-team), junior shortstop Jasmine Jackson (honorable mention) and sophomore first baseman Anna Margetis (honorable mention).

Gaither (7A), Pasco (6A), Steinbrenner (8A) and Zephyrhills (6A) each had one selection apiece.

There were no All-State representatives in our coverage area from Classes 9A, 4A, 3A or 1A.

2018 Miracle Sports All-State
Class 8A
Megan Pierro, Steinbrenner, senior (second-team)

Class 7A
Katelyn Richards, Gaither, senior (second-team)

Kendra Falby, Sunlake, freshman (second-team)

Paige Maseda, Sunlake, junior (second-team)

Emma Sica, Sunlake, senior (honorable mention)

Class 6A
Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year: Callie Turner, Land O’ Lakes, junior (first-team)

Ashley Smith, Land O’ Lakes, senior (first-team)

April Lorton, Zephyrhills, junior (first-team)

Kacie Huber, Pasco, senior (honorable mention)

Class 5A
Payton Hudson, Cypress Creek, junior (first-team)

Neely Peterson, Cypress Creek, junior (second-team)

Jasmine Jackson, Cypress Creek, junior (honorable mention)

Anna Margetis, Cypress Creek, junior (honorable mention)

Class 2A
Coach of the Year: Diane Stephenson, Academy at the Lakes

Player of the Year: Brooke Blankenship, Academy at the Lakes, freshman (first-team)

Pitcher of the Year: Lexi Kilfoyl, Academy at the Lakes, junior (first-team)

Devyne Davis, Academy at the Lakes, freshman (first-team)

Hannah Church, Academy at the Lakes, eight grade (second-team)

Vanessa Alexander, Academy at the Lakes, freshman (second-team)

Caitlynn Blankenship, Academy at the Lakes, seventh grade (second-team)

Published July 4, 2018

Wesley Chapel dojo heads to karate nationals

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The 2018 AAU/USA Karate National Championships kick off this week in Fort Lauderdale — and one local dojo will be well-represented.

Wesley Chapel’s Keiko Shin Karate Academy (KSKA) is sending 22 athletes, ranging in ages 6 to 18, to square up against more than 3,000 elite, top karate competitors from the United States and beyond.

The event runs from June 27 to June 30 at the Broward County Convention Center and draws competitors from all across the U.S., as well as from Israel, Poland, Russia and South America.

Keiko Shin Karate Academy (KSKA), in Wesley Chapel, is sending 22 athletes ages 6 to 18, to the 2018 AAU/USA Karate National Championships, where they’ll square up against more than 3,000 elite, top karate competitors from the United States and beyond. The event, held at the Broward Convention Center, runs from June 27 to June 30.
(Les Borowski)

The academy, located at 3753 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., is no stranger to the national stage.

In 2015, KSKA took 20 students to the AAU nationals in Raleigh, North Carolina, and returned with 34 medals, including 22 gold medals.

The next year, the team claimed 17 medals at nationals.

Under the instruction and guidance of their sensei, Ernesto Fuentes, this year’s group has undergone rigorous preparation, enduring various types of cross-training, cardio, yoga and intense hours of traditional Shotokan karate, fine-tuning speed, agility, reaction times and more.

Since the beginning of summer, training has consisted of many 10-hour days, often from 10 am. to 8 p.m.

Alongside the fitness and technical components, Fuentes has coached his students on motivational techniques, to help them maximize their potential.

“I don’t believe that we have another academy, at least not in the state of Florida, that’s training so many hours,” said Fuentes, an International 5th Dan Karate Instructor who’s been teaching the sport since 1983. “We believe the training is going to pay off.”

Destiny Walls, 18, is the oldest member of KSKA competing at the AAU/USA Karate National Championships. She credits traditional karate for turning her life around, physically, mentally and socially.
(Les Borowski)

Several KSKA athletes are making their return to AAU nationals, including 15-year-old Lauren Anderson and 18-year-old Destiny Walls.

In 2015, Anderson, then 12, won a gold medal in the Kumite (sparring) beginner division. The following year, she placed second in the Kata (form) novice division.

An advanced brown belt, she’s hoping for similar results.

Meantime, she’s excited to cheer on 21 of her peers.

“It’s really nice to watch everyone (succeed),” said Anderson, who attends Wiregrass Ranch High School. “I like to go and support as many people as possible.”

She also noted: “It’s really nice to see them excel, but it’s also nice to be there and to help them when they fall or don’t do as well.”

Anderson said nationals is “almost the same as other competitions, but it’s just bigger.

“It gets nerve-wracking,” she said, “(but) it makes you better, because you have more people (to compete against).”

Walls, meanwhile, earned a third-place finish in the Kata intermediate division at 2016 nationals.

A black belt, Walls is striving for gold this time around.

With thousands of other top athletes looking on, Walls said she expects to feel an adrenaline rush when it’s her turn to compete.

“You’re so nervous, but at the same time when you get at the mat, the nervousness goes away, and you’re ready to go,” Walls said.

Karate offers physical, social benefits
At KSKA and other dojos, karate is more than just a martial art sport — it’s a lifestyle.

Anderson credits it for boosting her confidence and self-esteem, as well as her composure.

“I used to be super sensitive, like certain things would get to me really easily, but now I’ve learned to take control of my emotions and stuff,” Anderson said.

The sport’s benefits also translate to the classroom, she said.

“It helps you with not only being physically active, but it also helps you mentally,” she added. “My grades weren’t very good before I came here, and now I have straight As, As and Bs.”

Karate also transformed Wall’s life, since she signed up more than eight years ago.

Wall said she was headed down the wrong path, getting into trouble and performing poorly in school — but karate gave her a positive outlet and a sense of belonging.

Over the years, she’s become an honor roll student and now has aspirations to become a nurse once she graduates from Cypress Creek Middle High School in 2019.

“I wasn’t really focused and my self-esteem had a lot to do with it. Since I started karate, it’s helped me,” Walls said.

“I’m able to talk to (people), which I used to never be able to do that. I’m able to go out and learn, and just keep going and not quit,” she said.

Fuentes said Walls has morphed from a shy, insecure girl into a leader — “being the person that she wanted to be and we all want to see in a child.”

Now, one of the dojo’s most experienced students, Walls assists Fuentes in the afterschool program as a youth instructor.

“I love now that I teach,” Walls said. “I love helping the little ones, being able to show them what family is and how to grow with each other.”

Fuentes, who has a master’s degree in child psychology, explained the sport’s structure, plus the discipline and dedication required to master it, aids in social and intellectual development.

Fuentes trains more than 200 students at KSKA and each must maintain at least a B average in school.

“Karate works a different aspect, different segments of their brain,” Fuentes said. “It’s proven that the kids that practice karate are immediately better students in school. In a fraction of a second, they need to be able to think and be in position.”

The sensei, too, incorporates a holistic approach in his karate teachings, encouraging students to believe in themselves, show compassion for others and avoid confrontation. Sportsmanship is emphasized, too.

“It’s not about self-defense, it’s about self-esteem,” he said.

“When you have self-esteem, you’re not going to let anybody mess with you, nobody bullies you, you’re OK if somebody looks at you weird; you have self-esteem, so you don’t care.”

Wesley Chapel-based Keiko Shin Karate Academy (KSKA) has more than 200 students, ranging from youth to adults. During the past several years, the dojo has had several strong showings at nationals, including in 2015, when they brought home 34 medals, including 22 gold medals.
(Les Borowski)

Parent Les Borowksi has witnessed the benefits karate has had on his two children, Nicholas, 12, and Olivia, 10 — both of whom will compete in AAU nationals.

Borowski said his children have become more attentive at school, more respectful to adults and peers, and generally more helpful toward others since they became involved in karate.

“This thing (karate) turns lives around,” Borowski said. “When I talk to other people who have kids, they think I’m some kind of marketing person (for karate).”

While he’s not paid to tout it, he is enthusiastic: “Just find a good quality, traditional martial arts school and go for it,” Borowski said.

For more information about Keiko Shin Karate Academy, call (813) 994-9253, or visit KeikoShin.com.

Athletes from Keiko Shin who qualified to represent Florida at 2018 AAU Karate National Championships.

Preston Achille

Lauren Anderson

Nicholas Borowski

Olivia Borowski

Travis Hamilton

Kristen Hooper

Wilson Irizarry

Ella Jannette

Kiernan Lauderdale

Jacobo Lopez

Camille Pamplona

Claire Pamplona

Jude Pamplona

Kathely Pamplona

Gian Jaydem Rios

Brady Rizzuto

Joshua Robinette

Carter Robinson

Destiny Walsh

Mackenzie Whitaker

Brandon White

Kaitlyn Wilson

Published June 27, 2018