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Wesley Chapel’s first-year coach finds early football success

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If the first four games are any indication, the Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats are on pace to have their first winning season since 2011.

Beyond that, the Wildcats (4-0)—the lone undefeated team in Pasco County— have the makings of a team capable of finding triumphs not seen since the early ‘00s, when the team was coached by John Castelamare.

First-year head coach Anthony Egan, far left, teaches the finer points of an offensive play during a Wildcats practice. (Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High football)
First-year head coach Anthony Egan, far left, teaches the finer points of an offensive play during a Wildcats practice.
(Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High football)

The Wildcats went a combined 35-8 from 2001 to 2004, and brought home three district championships.

In recent years, Wesley Chapel has been a bottom-feeder in Pasco County. Since their 6-4 season five years ago, the Wildcats went a combined 7-33 from 2012-2015.

But, under first-year coach Anthony Egan, the Wildcats’ recent struggles appear to be a distant memory.

Egan, a former offensive/defensive line coach at River Ridge High School in New Port Richey, has guided the team to instant success—including a 50-0 thrashing of Gulf High School on Sept. 23.

While many might be surprised by the Wildcats’ blazing start, don’t count Egan as one of them.

“Once I got here and we started to put in the work, I knew we had a good group of guys,” the Wildcats coach said. “We were working our butts off in the weight room, and everything that we’ve asked them to do, they’ve been very good at making sure they get it done.

“I knew they would be a lot better football team than they were last year, and the year before.”

The team’s individual talent is better, too, starting with junior running back Dexter Leverett, who sat out last season after transferring from Eastside High School in Taylors, South Carolina.

The 5-foot-9, 163-pound playmaker ranks 11th in the state in rushing yards (684), averaging 8.6 yards per carry.

“He’s got it all,” Egan said. “He’s a power back, he’s explosive, and he’s got that top-end speed—the kid runs a 4.53 40 (yard dash). He’s just a really quick kid…and he can make cuts in the open field.”

Complementing Leverett is junior tailback Malik Melvin (202 yards, four touchdowns) and senior fullback Ellrie Allen (53 yards, two TDs).

“We like all our running backs,” Egan said. “Dexter’s just a guy in the spring that really stood out to us.

“We just have a multi-facet approach back there, and we’ve got three guys that can really tote it pretty well for us right now.”

Seeing the depth in the backfield allowed Egan to seamlessly transition from a spread offense to a power-run game over the course of the team’s offseason.

The move has paid off, with the Wildcats averaging an eye-popping 292 rushing yards per game.

“We saw the athletes we had and said, ‘We’ve got to focus more on the run game and get this line blocking’… and it’s paying dividends right now on offense,” Egan said.

The Wildcats’ defense, too, has quickly made significant strides.

In 2015, the Wildcats—under former coach Tico Hernandez—allowed 30.2 points per game. Through four games in 2016, the unit has surrendered just 11.5 points per game.

“Defensively, I saw a lot of issues (from 2015) on film with tackling and pursuit, so…we drill the heck out of that every day,” Egan explained. “We preach intensity, tackling, pursuit, and the guys really work hard at that.

“We don’t see many breakaway runs,” the coach added. “We’ve been able to get good angles on guys and make tackles, and limit those (would-be) 60-yard touchdowns to 15-yard plays.”

Two key cogs shoring up that side of the ball are a pair of juniors in highly touted defensive back Isaiah Bolden and middle linebacker Austen Wittish.

Bolden, a transfer from Bartram Trail High School in Jacksonville, is a consensus four-star recruit, boasting more than 20 Division I college offers.

Bolden’s range and pure athleticism Egan said, is a major deterrent to opposing quarterbacks in throwing to his side of the field.

“If he gets his hands on the ball, he’s gone,” Egan said. “It’s kind of passer beware—if you’re going to throw it over there to that guy, there’s a good chance he gets his hands on it and makes a huge play for us.”

Meanwhile, Wittish—who notched 14 tackles against Ridgewood on Sept. 16—was praised by Egan for his ability to shed blocks and fill gaps to limit opposing running games.

“He…just has a good nose for the football,” Egan said.

The Wildcats don’t appear to show signs of slowing down, especially considering how the rest of their schedule lines up.

With its next two games against Fivay (0-4) and Hudson (2-1), the Wildcats have an opportunity to remain undefeated going into their bye week on Oct. 14.

To do so, Egan said the team must continue to dominate games from start to finish.

“We want to make sure we set the bar high,” he said, “and keep playing to that level.”

Winning Wildcats
A look at Wesley Chapel’s wins so far:

  • 13-3 road win against Land O’ Lakes High (Aug. 26)
  • 34-21 home win against Pasco High (Sept. 9)
  • 42-22 home win against Ridgewood High (Sept. 16)
  • 50-0 road win against Gulf High (Sept. 23)

Q&A with Coach Anthony Egan
What’s the transition been like going from an assistant to a head coach?
“Being the head guy in charge has its big benefits and its…challenges to the job. It’s a ton of responsibility—paperwork, fundraising—a lot of things…you’re in charge of. It’s been very challenging at times, but, the risk is worth the reward. Everything that we’re doing out there, and all the time that the kids are putting in and giving it back to us, it makes it worth it.”

How has senior quarterback Jacob Thomas adjusted from a spread-oriented offense to a run-based offense?
“He’s bought into everything we’re trying to do. He’s getting the touchdowns and stats. He’s getting the yardage; he’s just not having to throw 40 times. …He’s all on board with throwing the ball five times (per game) for two or three touchdowns.”

Are you comfortable with the team’s depth through the remainder of the season?
“Right now, we’ve got guys in certain positions that we’ve got good depth at, and we’re a little thin in other places. We’re always trying to rectify that. We don’t want to sell the farm, so to speak, and bring up our (junior varsity players), but we’ve got a lot of depth down there—kids that can come up and help us right away. But, they’re freshman, and we want to make sure that they’re getting their reps. “In the program, we have plenty of depth, but week-to-week, we’re kind of stretched thin sometimes. …By the end of the season, when we bring some of these guys up, we’ll have plenty of depth.”

Published September 28, 2016

 

Recapping week 4 in area prep football

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Another week of high school football is in the books, as teams approach the midway point of the season. Here’s a look at how the teams in our coverage area fared in Week 4:

Pasco County

 

(Courtesy of Sunlake High)
The Sunlake Seahawks defeated Land O’ Lakes 21-3 to retain bragging rights in the annual ‘Butter Bowl.’ (Courtesy of Sunlake High)

 

Sunlake 21, Land O’ Lakes 3
Recap: The “Butter Bowl” was once again a one-sided affair as the Sunlake Seahawks defeated the Land O’ Lakes Gators 21-3, marking the Seahawks fifth straight regular season win over the Gators. Equipped with a 7-3 halftime lead, Sunlake (3-1) pulled away from the Gators (0-3) with touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters.

Key Stats: The Seahawks racked up 539 all-purpose yards compared to the Gators’ 187 yards. Additionally, Seahawks had two 100-yard rushers in seniors Justin Metzger (124 yards) and Kevis Warren (111 yards, 1 TD), and a 100-yard receiver in senior Tyler Peretti (7 receptions, 142 yards).

Next up: Sunlake has a home game against Lakewood Ranch (0-3) on Sept. 23; Land O’ Lakes has a bye before facing Lakeland Christian (4-0) on Sept. 30.

Zephyrhills 62, Gulf 0
Recap: The first year of the Nick Carroll Era is going swimmingly for the Zephyrhills Bulldogs, as the first-year head coach guided his team to a 62-0 pounding over Gulf High. The Bulldogs (2-1) led 47-0 at the half, before a running clock was put into effect for the entirety of the second half. The win follows the Bulldogs’ surprising win over Sunlake (27-15) on Sept. 3.

Key Stats: Bulldogs junior quarterback Charles Harrison III completed 10 of 14 passes for 117 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Bulldogs freshman linebacker Ja’varrius Wilson tallied up three sacks.

Next up: Zephyrhills travels to Fivay (0-3) on Sept. 23.

Wesley Chapel 42, Ridgewood 22
Recap: Under first-year coach Anthony Egan, the Wesley Chapel Wildcats (3-0) already has more wins than it did in each of the last two seasons. Despite looking sloppy with penalties early on, the Wildcats shored up their miscues to build a 29-8 lead at halftime. In the second half, the game was put out of reach underneath the speedy legs of junior tailbacks Dexter Leverett (224 yards, 2 TDs) and Malik Melvin (119 yards, 2 TDs).

Key Stats: The Wildcats compiled 394 rushing yards as a team, averaging a whopping 10.1 yards per carry.

Next up: Wesley Chapel heads to Gulf (0-2) on Sept. 23.

Sickles 30, Wiregrass Ranch, 29 (Overtime)
Recap: A two-point conversion call in overtime by Wiregrass Ranch head coach Mark Kantor ended up backfiring, as the Bulls (1-2) fell to Sickles High in front of its home crowd. Cantor called an inside run to junior tailback Chase Oliver, a bruising 220-pounder, who was stuffed at the goal line, sealing the win for Sickles.

Wiregrass led 23-20 halfway through the fourth quarter, before Sickles kicked a field goal to force the extra period, then lead for good on a 16-yard touchdown pass in overtime.

Key Stats: The loss notwithstanding, Wiregrass senior quarterback Chris Faddoul made an impact with his arm and legs. Faddoul threw for 113 yards and a TD, rushed for 91 yards, and kicked a 30-yard field goal.

Next up: Wiregrass Ranch has a road contest against Leto (0-3) on Sept. 23.

Hillsborough County

 

gaither-rgb
Gaither High tailback T.J. Wiliams (32) accounted for all three of the Cowboys’ touchdowns in their 16-7 victory over Wharton on Sept. 16. (Courtesy of Gaither High)

Gaither 19, Wharton 7
Recap: Buoyed by the punishing running style of senior tailback T.J. Williams, the Gaither Cowboys (2-2) notched a home win against the Wharton Wildcats (1-2), snapping a two-game losing streak. The Cowboys never trailed, getting on the scoreboard first thanks to a 15-yard TD run by Williams in the second quarter.

Key Stats: Williams scored three times—including a highlight-reel 89-yard reception—en route to 124 total yards on 10 touches.

Next up: Gaither travels to Sickles on Sept. 23; Wharton has a home matchup against Freedom on Sept. 23.

Freedom 3, Spoto 0
Recap: A 39-yard boot in the second quarter by Freedom’s Noah Tenney was the lone score in this defensive tug-of-war. Freedom’s defense stymied Spoto, holding them to 178 total yards, including just a single passing yard. Freedom (2-1) has looked solid defensively for two consecutive weeks after limiting Alonso High to just eight points on Sept. 9

Key Stats: The Patriots forced four turnovers, including two fumble recoveries by senior Carlos Rodicio.

Next up: Freedom has a road conference game against Wharton on Sept. 23.

Sarasota Riverview 20, Steinbrenner 19
Recap: Key mistakes and missed opportunities, in part, caused the Warriors to fall short in this non-conference road game. The Warriors (1-2) led Sarasota Riverview 19-6 at the half, but a bevy of turnovers and three-and-outs gave Riverview ample field position to orchestrate two impressive scoring drives in the second half.

Key Stats: Steinbrenner’s Josh Harris rushed for 102 yards on 24 carries, but also fumbled three times. Senior wideout Brett Bitter hauled in two TD catches.

Next up: Steinbrenner faces Tampa Riverview (2-1) at home on Sept. 23.

Seffner Christian 27, Carrollwood Day 6
Recap: With the score 7-6 after the first quarter, the game was in reach for Carrollwood Day. But, the Patriots (1-3) were unable to answer as Seffner Christian scored touchdowns in each of the following three quarters. The Patriots (1-3) have now lost three straight games, scoring just 13 combined points in the process.

Key Stats: The Patriots struggled defensively, allowing over 423 total yards of offense (217 passing, 206 yards rushing). In their last three games, the Patriots have been outscored by a 118-to-13 margin.

Next up: The Patriots have a bye before facing Northside Christian (3-1) on the road on Sept. 30.

–Stats and information compiled via MaxPreps.com.

Published September 21, 2016

‘Baseball Ranch’ opens in Wesley Chapel

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A new baseball and softball performance academy has sprung up in Wesley Chapel.

The RockStar Baseball & Softball Ranch, which had its grand opening on Sept. 10, is owned and operated by Ryan Pryor, a former varsity assistant coach at Bishop McLaughlin and Wiregrass Ranch high schools.

Ryan Pryor is the owner and operator of the RockStar Baseball & Softball Ranch, 8931 Elkmont Lane in Wesley Chapel. He is a former assistant varsity coach at Bishop McLaughlin and Wiregrass Ranch high schools. (Photos courtesy of Ryan Pryor)
Ryan Pryor is the owner and operator of the RockStar Baseball & Softball Ranch, 8931 Elkmont Lane in Wesley Chapel. He is a former assistant varsity coach at Bishop McLaughlin and Wiregrass Ranch high schools.
(Photos courtesy of Ryan Pryor)

Situated on a five-acre property off of Old Pasco Road and Hadlock Drive, the indoor/outdoor ranch is equipped with several training amenities. It has six batting cages and machines; a pitching arena with five bullpens; various drill fields and ranges; and, 300-foot long toss/throwing lanes.

Pryor, who initially began training players out of his garage several years ago, refers to the ranch as an “old-school” training environment.

That philosophy starts in the “fit pit,” where players utilize medicine balls and flip tires for total body strength and conditioning workouts.

“They’re swinging hammers, they’ve got (water) pails they’re lifting, they’re doing movements…to do the things they need to play this game, because they don’t do that anymore,” explained Pryor. “They’re playing more because of the culture of travel ball and tournaments, and (focusing) less on the physical side — they don’t climb trees, they don’t ride bicycles, they’re not using their shoulders.”

Because of that, Pryor noted “throwing injuries have quadrupled over the last 30 years.”

Pryor, who compiled a 123-34 record in five years as an assistant high school coach, said the ultimate goal of the ranch is to “bridge the gap” between a player’s potential and his current performance.

Pryor, also a former collegiate baseball player at Fresno State University in California, said he doesn’t just seek out the top talent to develop. Instead, he assists those who’ve either been cut from teams, or the types of players who are “always stuck in right field.”

“I take a lot of those kinds of kids that aren’t in the mainstream, and I develop them,” he said. “I take kids that can’t walk and chew bubblegum, and turn them into really good talent, for them to basically reach their full potential.”

He also noted: “I see things in kids that other coaches don’t see in them.”

Throughout the year, the membership-driven ranch will feature age-specific classes, clinics, team practice opportunities, coaching workshops and advanced high school boot camps.

Private lessons and video evaluations also are available.

The RockStar Baseball & Softball Ranch provides instruction and training to youth ages 6 to 18.
The RockStar Baseball & Softball Ranch provides instruction and training to youth ages 6 to 18.

One noteworthy ranch feature is the expanded use of wiffle ball drills for live batting practice.

Pryor explained wiffle balls help collect useful data on a particular hitter’s strengths and weaknesses.

“It shows the spin—backspin, topspin, sidespin,” he said.

“It gives you the spread,” he said. “Are they missing the ball? Are they popping up? Are they hitting ground balls? Are they hitting the top of the ball?”

In terms of teaching, Pryor said he benchmarks instruction “at the major league standard and works it backwards” to each specific age group, from ages 6 to 18.

“I’m going to provide them with the tools, and the training they need,” said Pryor. “We’re speeding up the process.”

His key slogan is: “See it, Do it, Repeat it, Play it.”

“See it and do it at the ranch, repeat it at home with the parents, and play it in the games in various leagues,” he elaborated.

“Within a year or two, (my trainees) are passing everybody because they become more technically sound — they’re able to just move better, take better angles, and understand the concept (of the game) better.”

At the ranch, Pryor said he won’t just teach baseball lessons, but will instill life lessons, too.

Responsibility, for instance, is a major focal point.

“There’s a lot of life lessons out here,” explained Pryor. “The kids are responsible for their own water — and we hold them accountable for that kind of stuff.

“Throughout all of our training, that’s the kind of stuff that we teach out here: getting kids to be better people, and own up to their responsibilities and do what they’re capable of in their own control,” Pryor said.

For more information, visit RockStarBaseballRanch.com.

To reach Ryan Pryor, email , or call (813) 992-1030.

RockStar Baseball Ranch
Some of the features of the RockStar Baseball Ranch:

  • Five-acre indoor/outdoor property
  • Hitting stables with six batting cages and machines
  • Pitching arena with five bullpens
  • Long-toss throwing lanes
  • Practice drill fields
  • Golf-style batting tee ranges
  • Outfield range
  • Strength and conditioning corral
  • Full video evaluations

Published September 14, 2016

Several Pasco County schools to get lacrosse programs

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Students at several high schools in Pasco County soon will be offered a new sport to play.

The Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance (PCLA), a nonprofit organization, recently announced an agreement with Pasco County Schools to manage the transition of high school boys and girls lacrosse from a club sport to a Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)-sanctioned sport, beginning with the 2018 spring season.

In 2014, several Hillsborough County public schools became Florida High School Athletic Association-sanctioned in lacrosse. (Courtesy of HIllsborough County Public Schools)
In 2014, several Hillsborough County public schools became Florida High School Athletic Association-sanctioned in lacrosse.
(Courtesy of HIllsborough County Public Schools)

For the upcoming 2017 season — slated to begin in February — the high school teams will play at the club level in the Florida Gulf Coast Lacrosse League, a subsidiary of US Lacrosse, the sport’s national governing body.

The initial three-year contract between the PCLA and the Pasco County School Board has targeted the following schools for initial Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) certification: Anclote, Land O’ Lakes, Mitchell, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and GGG high schools. GGG is the yet-unnamed high school in Wesley Chapel.

The agreement is similar to a three-year pilot program approved for 10 schools in Hillsborough County in 2014.

Essentially, it calls for the PCLA to manage operational costs (uniforms, protective equipment, refs, travel, coaching stipends), while participating schools provide field access and gate workers.

David Mazursky, president of the PCLA, estimates equipment and operational costs for the lacrosse organization will total about $15,000 per school. Whatever funds aren’t covered through sponsorships will trickle down to players in a “pay-for-play” model.

According to its website, the PCLA is looking to set the registration fee in the same arena as Hillsborough County’s, which decreased from $390 to $320 over the past three years.

Eight Pasco County high schools are set to have lacrosse as a Florida High School Athletic Association-sanctioned sport for boys and girls, beginning with the 2018 season. This season will be played at the club level. (Courtesy of FHSAA)
Eight Pasco County high schools are set to have lacrosse as a Florida High School Athletic Association-sanctioned sport for boys and girls, beginning with the 2018 season. This season will be played at the club level.
(Courtesy of FHSAA)

“We’ll have to charge a fee because there’s costs for transportation, referees, and when you become FHSAA, the head coach has to be a paid position,” Mazursky said.

Certain equipment — uniforms, helmets, protective gear — will be loaned to players. Other types of gear — stick, cleats, socks, gloves — will have to be furnished by players.

Ideally, every school’s boys and girls team will have enough participants to reach the FHSAA-limit of 25 players, Mazursky said.

“I actually don’t think we’re going to have any problem getting enough kids,” he said. “I think you might get a lot of football players that want to do something in between the spring and fall football,” he said. “You’ll get kids that don’t make the soccer team or don’t make the basketball team.”

The biggest challenge, he said, is funding, in general, and then finding and locking in corporate sponsorships to help keep registration fees low.

To help transition first-time players, the PCLA is hosting a series of free player clinics from September through December. The first clinic is Sept. 18 at 8 a.m., at Seven Springs Middle School, 2441 Little Road in New Port Richey.

“The goal of the clinics is for kids who haven’t played to really understand what the game is, and really get them hooked on it,” he said.

“I’m sure we’ll be able to do that,” he added.

In Florida, the sport has grown rapidly over the past several years. According to the National Federation of High Schools, the state saw a 70 percent increase in participation to 8,603 players from 2008 to 2013.

The Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance (PCLA) is a nonprofit organization working with Pasco County Public Schools to manage the transition of high school boys and girls lacrosse from a club sport to a Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)-sanctioned sport, beginning with the 2018 spring season. (Courtesy of Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance)
The Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance (PCLA) is a nonprofit organization working with Pasco County Public Schools to manage the transition of high school boys and girls lacrosse from a club sport to a Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)-sanctioned sport, beginning with the 2018 spring season.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance)

Moreover, about 150 Florida schools are currently sanctioned to play for state titles in both girls and boys lacrosse.

“The exposure has been much better,” Mazursky said. “As we get it into more high schools…it’ll grow from just purely a club program to something more prominent.”

The PCLA president noted that transitioning from a club sport to an FHSAA-sanctioned sport is critical to expanding lacrosse’s reach to adolescents in the area.

“There’s a lot of interest at the youth level, but when kids realize they don’t have a high school sport, then they quit,” he said. “As a club sport, you don’t feel like part of the high school — you’re not in the yearbook, you don’t get a (varsity) letter.”

Note: Parents and students can go to PascoLax.org for more information. Donations to help fund lacrosse for one of the selected teams of choice can be made at: PascoLax.org/donations-per-team.html.
Companies interested in sponsoring their local schools can contact Eric Handman at  for more information.

Published September 7, 2016

 

Week 1 prep football roundup

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The first week of the regular season for high school football kicked off on Aug. 26. Here’s a look at how teams in our coverage area fared under the lights on Friday night.

Pasco County results:

Wesley Chapel High first-year coach Anthony Egan got his first career win on Aug. 26. (File Photo)
Wesley Chapel High first-year coach Anthony Egan got his first career win on Aug. 26.
(File Photo)

Wesley Chapel 13, Land O’ Lakes 3
The skinny: New Wildcats coach Anthony Egan notched his first career win in a close road game against Land O’ Lakes High School. Up-and-coming quarterback Jacob Thomas, threw a 75-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to swing the momentum in the Wildcats favor. Junior running back Ian Leverett added a game-high 145 rushing yards on 26 carries. Despite the game’s outcome, Land O’ Lakes sophomore quarterback Jude May had a solid showing, completing 65 percent of his pass attempts for 157 yards.
Next up: Wesley Chapel travels to Wiregrass Ranch on Sept. 2 for a 7:30 p.m., kickoff; Land O’ Lakes faces River Ridge in a nonconference matchup.

 

Wiregrass Ranch, led by second-year coach Mark Kantor, could be one of the most dangerous teams to face in Pasco County. (File Photo)
Wiregrass Ranch, led by second-year coach Mark Kantor, could be one of the most dangerous teams to face in Pasco County.
(File Photo)

Wiregrass Ranch 43, Zephyrhills 8
The skinny: Nick Carroll’s first regular season game as Zephyrhills High School head coach didn’t go as planned with the Bulldogs’ defense surrendering 429 yards of total offense to Wiregrass Ranch High. Now fully healthy, expect Wiregrass Ranch to surprise opponents with a potent running attack and lockdown secondary. It will be interesting to see how the Bulldogs respond this week against Sunlake High, where Carroll was an assistant coach for the past nine seasons.
Next up: Wiregrass Ranch faces Wesley Chapel on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Zephyrhills has another home game against Sunlake.

Sunlake 62, Gulf, 0
The skinny: Sunlake High School once again has the makings of another dominant season after demoralizing Gulf High on the road. Sunlake tailback Justin Metzger scored three touchdowns, while two-way standout Cris Galdos racked up 162 all-purpose yards. Sunlake’s defense held Gulf to just 10 total yards. Junior middle linebacker Adam Jarvis led the Seahawks in tackles with five.
Next up: Sunlake has a road game against Zephyrhills on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Victory Christian 29, Pasco, 19
The skinny: The Pasco High School Pirates couldn’t avenge a second quarter where they allowed 21 points to a solid Victory Christian Academy squad. But, this week’s game against Gulf High provides them a chance to even up their record, and build some confidence in early September before the schedule becomes tougher.
Next up: Pasco has a home game against Gulf High on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Hillsborough County results:

 

Carrollwood Day delivered a convincing win for new interim coach Mark Jones.(Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)
Carrollwood Day delivered a convincing win for new interim coach Mark Jones.(Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)

Carrollwood Day 64, Avant Garde Academy, 0
The skinny: Carrollwood Day School interim head coach Mark Jones earned his first win as the Patriots demolished Avant Garde Academy in Kissimmee. Jones, a 36-year-old former NFL receiver/kick returner, took over as interim coach on Aug. 16, after former CDS coach Lane McLaughlin was let go by athletic director Baker Mabry.
Next up: CDS Prep faces Grapevine Christian Academy (Texas) in Orlando on Sept. 2 at 5 p.m.

 

East Bay, 34, Freedom 13
The skinny: Missed opportunities and a lifeless fourth quarter prevented the Freedom High School Patriots from getting a victory for new coach Floyd Graham. The score was 13-7 late in the third quarter, but a Freedom botched snap and ensuing East Bay touchdown put the game out of reach.
Next up: Freedom has a bye week before a road slate against Alonso High on Sept. 9.

 

The Gaither High Cowboys may be in store for a huge 2016 season after a convincing win over Steinbrenner High, a team that went 9-2 last year. (Courtesy of Gaither High)
The Gaither High Cowboys may be in store for a huge 2016 season after a convincing win over Steinbrenner High, a team that went 9-2 last year.
(Courtesy of Gaither High)

Gaither 42, Steinbrenner 10
The skinny: Gaither High School forced six turnovers and held Steinbrenner High to just 113 yards of total offense in an eye-opening home victory. Gaither’s Trentyn Jackson was a force all night, scoring three touchdowns on an 80-yard interception return, a 31-yard reception and a 9-yard run. After a rough 2015 season, Gaither junior quarterback Gavin DenBoer shined, completing 9 of 15 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Gaither senior linebacker DeCalon Brooks paced the Cowboys with 9 tackles.
Meanwhile, one of the few bright spots for Steinbrenner was the performance of senior outside linebacker Dane Coleman (12 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack).
Next up: Gaither travels to Bloomingdale High on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Steinbrenner travels to Blake.

 

Solid showings on both sides of the ball propelled Wharton High in the first game of the season. (Courtesy of Wharton High)
Solid showings on both sides of the ball propelled Wharton High in the first game of the season.
(Courtesy of Wharton High)

Wharton 39, King 0
The skinny: Wharton High School’s running duo Randy Haynes Jr. (93 yards on, two touchdowns) and Shannon King (76 yards, two touchdowns) proved too powerful for the King High Lions in this nonconference contest. On defense, Wharton forced a turnover or a three-and-out on nine of the Lions’ 12 drives.
Next up: Wharton has a home game against Robinson High on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

 

 

–Stats and information compiled from Maxpreps.com.

Published August 31, 2016

 

Freedom golf seeks a fourth district crown

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The expectations are high once again for the Freedom High School boys golf team, as it enters the 2016 campaign seeking its fourth consecutive Class 3A-District 10 title.

If it pulls off the noteworthy feat, it would Freedom’s first sports team to win four consecutive district championships.

Armed with the district’s past two individual medalists in senior Tyler Bray and junior Cy Storlien, plus a superbly talented freshman in Cooper Smith, the Patriots appear to have a solid nucleus with their season kickoff against Wharton scheduled on Aug. 23.

The Freedom Boys golf team is seeking their fourth consecutive district title. From left, Cooper Smith, Matt Daniello, Cy Storlien, Nick Mitchell, Tyler Bray and Sam Smith. (Courtesy of Chris Bray)
The Freedom Boys golf team is seeking their fourth consecutive district title. From left, Cooper Smith, Matt Daniello, Cy Storlien, Nick Mitchell, Tyler Bray and Sam Smith.
(Courtesy of Chris Bray)

Bray, expected to consistently be one of Patriots top one or two scorers, said this year’s squad has a similar profile to the one that reached the state tournament in 2013 — when he was a freshman.

“The last two years, we’ve kind of just been like one guy short, but I feel like we’re a lot stronger this year, for sure,” the senior said. “We have a new freshman on the team, Cooper Smith — he’s going to really help us out.”

He added: “We’re definitely focused on districts and regionals, and hopefully we’ll make it to states again.”

Michael Passarelli, Freedom’s golf coach, said this year’s group “absolutely” has the potential to not only win districts, but also make a solid showing at regionals, and possibly advance to states in late October.

“We’ve got a couple of really, really good golfers,” Passarelli said. “The goal is definitely there.”

The work ethic and commitment to reach those goals is, too.

“They’ve got a club in their hands at all times,” Passarelli said. “These guys practice every aspect — they hit a ton of balls, they chip and putt a thousand balls, they play all the time.

“They work unbelievably hard.”

Perhaps one concern heading into the season is the team’s depth, or lack thereof. As opposed to a roster that goes nine or 10 deep, the Patriots will need quality play from the likes of seniors Nick Mitchell and Sam Smith, if they plan on making a deep postseason run.

“The two guys behind our top three are the ones that need to step up and be consistent, solid contributors,” Passarelli said. “If those two guys can play the way they are capable of, then we have a real shot.

“Those ‘No. 4’ and ‘No. 5’ guys know that at least one of them has got to score for us.”

With just six players on the varsity roster, Passarelli said the main key is ensuring everyone’s “mental approach is sound” throughout the course of the season.

“They all just need to make sure they play within themselves, and their expectations are real,” Passarelli said. “It’s just a matter of understanding of how to deal with things if a certain aspect of the game is not there on a given day.

“When you’re as talented as some of these kids are — the game is there, every single shot in the bag is there — it’s just about being able to manage a round of golf from a mental standpoint to make sure that mistakes remain one mistake, and not two or three.”

Freedom golf coach Michael Passarelli
On freshman Cooper Smith: “He gets the ball out there for a little guy, but what makes him so dang good is his short game is ridiculous — you get that kid around the green and he has a chance to make anything happen.”
On senior Tyler Bray:  “Tyler is the only one that’s been here for four years (as a letterman.) He’s pretty much the leader of this team.”
On senior Nick Mitchell: “This kid has worked so hard. He’s come such an unbelievably long way — it’s really crazy to think about where he was two years ago and where he is right now because he’s a heck of a golfer. …He’s going to be one of the guys that we’re going to count on, and he knows it.”

Class 3A-District 10
Freedom High
Hillsborough High
Leto High
Tampa Bay Tech
Wharton High
Wiregrass Ranch High

Freedom boys golf roster:
Tyler Bray, senior (4-year Letterman, 2014 District 3A-10 champion, 2015 District runner-up)
Matt Daniello, junior (2-year letterman)
Nick Mitchell, senior (3-year letterman)
Cooper Smith, freshman (projected starter)
Sam Smith, senior (2-year letterman)
Cy Storlien, junior (3-year letterman, 2015 District 3A-10 champion)

Published August 24, 2016

Area fall football preview: Hillsborough County

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three teams to watch:

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published August 17, 2016

Area fall football preview: Pasco County

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The 2016 high school football season is just around the corner and several teams in our coverage area enter the year with intriguing storylines, standout players and must-see matchups.

Pasco Pirates
Coach: Tom McHugh (9th year)
2015 Record: 4-6
Spring Game result: 40-6 loss against Wiregrass Ranch

Land O’ Lakes Gators
Coach: Brian Wachtel (6th year)
2015 Record: 3-7
Spring Game result: 45-0 win over Gulf High

Sunlake Seahawks
Coach: Bill Browning (9th year)
2015 Record: 8-3
Spring Game result: 54-13 win over Hernando High

Wesley Chapel Wildcats
Coach: Anthony Egan (1st year)
2015 record: 2-8
Spring Game result: 54-20 win over Weeki Wachee

Wiregrass Ranch Bulls
Coach: Mark Kantor (2nd year)
2015 record: 2-8
Spring Game result: 40-6 win over Pasco High

Zephyrhills Bulldogs
Coach: Nick Carroll (1st year)
2015 record: 8-3
Spring Game result: 17-2 win over Crystal River High

Zephyrhills Christian Academy (ZCA) Warriors

Coach: Mike Smith (2nd year, 11-man)
2015 Record: 4-4
Spring Game result: 32-12 win over Lakeland Santa Fe

Three teams to watch:

 

Sunlake enters 2016 with six consecutive winning seasons. (File Photo)
Sunlake enters 2016 with six consecutive winning seasons.
(File Photo)

Sunlake Seahawks
The Seahawks enter the 2016 campaign with plenty of momentum, especially after a 54-13 thrashing of Hernando High School in their spring game. The Seahawks look to build on that May 20 victory, as well as their 8-3 mark in 2015. Sunlake returns several key pieces on offense and defense, starting with pro-style quarterback Justin Hall, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior capable of filling up a stat sheet (1,729 yards, 17 TDs, 3 interceptions) Hall will have plenty of weapons at his disposal, led by scatback Justin Metzger (577 yards, 5 TDs) and three receivers with at least 20 receptions (Ryan Clark, Cris Galdos, Tyler Peretti.) On defense, three of the team’s top four tacklers return, led by Galdos, a senior linebacker who makes plays all over the field. One major question for the Seahawks is how quickly a makeshift offensive line will gel after the graduations of three anchors—Leo Baez, Bryce Cooley and Joe Russum.

 

Staying healthy will be key for Wiregrass Ranch in 2016. (File Photo)
Staying healthy will be key for Wiregrass Ranch in 2016.
(File Photo)

Wiregrass Ranch Bulls
If not an improved team, Wiregrass Ranch High School should at least be an interesting one. The Bulls, who haven’t had a winning season since 2010, are stacked with Division I prospects — led by juniors Jordan Miner and Shamaur McDowell. Several new faces are expected to make an impact, as well, starting with former AATL two-way player Daniel Biglow, and A.J. Brown, a rangy wide receiver from Carrollton, Texas. Another player to keep an eye on is sophomore quarterback Grant Sessums, who’s opened eyes at various statewide football camps this summer. While a talented bunch, the biggest key to having more success is staying healthy all yearlong. Last season, Mark Cantor’s Bulls suffered 19 season-ending injuries, virtually crawling to a lethargic 2-8 finish.

Players like Myles Carter (No. 3) will be expected to step up for a Zephyrhills team that lost several impact players from last season. (File Photo)
Players like Myles Carter (No. 3) will be expected to step up for a Zephyrhills team that lost several impact players from last season.
(File Photo)

Zephyrhills Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are entering the 2016 season with a first-time head coach and several unproven players. Nick Carroll — a longtime Sunlake High School assistant — has big shoes to fill in taking over for the revered Reginald Roberts (39-23 in six seasons). The pressure to win immediately will be elevated, considering the program’s recent triumphs. But, winning won’t come easy, considering the Bulldogs’ top offensive playmaker — running back Antwione Sims — will miss several games due to injury. Moreover, the Bulldogs must find more impactful reinforcements after the graduations of their top receiver (Jackie Tucker Jr.) and top three tacklers (Kevin Lee, Arttonyo Lee Jr., Leonardo Guzman) from last year’s 8-3 team. The team will also be without defensive end Zander Lemay (47 tackles, 3.5 sacks), who recently transferred to Tampa Catholic High School — forcing the new coaching staff to find yet another replacement heading into the season.

Three players to watch:

Zephyrhills senior running back Antwione Sims
Depending on when one the of the area’s most electrifying playmakers returns to the field, fans will surely flock to the stands to see the 5-11, 196-pound Sims (2,093 rushing yards, 24 TDs.) The senior is likely to miss “most of the season” after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in March, but a possible late-season return could prove vital for the Bulldogs down the stretch. Once he returns to the gridiron, it will be interesting to see if Sims still has the same quickness and speed he showed in 2015. A consensus three-star recruit, Sims has 11 scholarships offers, which includes Boston College and Navy.

Sunlake senior receiver/linebacker Cris Galdos
What Galdos lacks in measurables, he more than makes up for with his production. The 5-foot-7, 170-pound do-it-all playmaker is widely viewed as one of the most versatile football players in Pasco County. His offensive statistics (21 receptions, 224 yards, 2 TDs) coupled with his defensive prowess (81 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, four sacks, four interceptions) are a key to Sunlake’s continued success. His workout numbers are also impressive: 4.60 40-yard dash, 30-inch vertical jump, 290-pound bench press and 405-pound squat. Galdos recently received his first scholarship offer (University of Saint Francis in Indiana) and is likely to receive a few more by the season’s end.

Wiregrass Ranch junior defensive back Jordan Miner
Pasco County typically doesn’t produce many Division I football prospects on an annual basis, so it’s always worth noting when a player entering just his junior year already has five DI offers— Bowling Green University, Middle Tennessee State University, University of South Florida, University of Toledo and Tulane University. At 6-foot-1, 185-pounds, Miner has the size that major college programs crave in a defensive back. In seven games last season, Miner made an impact in both the secondary (35 tackles, 1 interception) and as a kick returner (34 yards per return.) It won’t be a surprise if Wiregrass Ranch foes avoid the passing game, considering one of Miner’s teammates in the secondary — cornerback Shamaur McDowell — is also a Division I prospect, with several offers. Naturally, football runs in Miner’s family — his older brother, Jaye Miner, is a linebacker at Florida Atlantic University, a Division I school.

Three games to watch:
Wiregrass Ranch @ Gaither (Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m.)

  • Two teams loaded with college prospects face off in a late-season game that’s sure to bring several recruiters to North Tampa.

Mitchell @ Sunlake (Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m.)

  • Sunlake looks for revenge at home after Mitchell handed the Seahawks their lone district loss last season. The matchup also pits two of Pasco’s top quarterbacks against each other in Mitchell’s Larry Dalla Betta and Sunlake’s Justin Hall.

Zephyrhills @ Pasco (Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.)

  • Though last season’s 9-Mile-War was lopsided in favor of the Bulldogs; this year’s matchup should be a closer affair.

Published August 10, 2016

Academy at the Lakes hires new softball coach

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The Academy at the Lakes athletics department moved swiftly to hire a new varsity softball coach — one who happens to have decades of Division I collegiate coaching experience.

Diane Stephenson was named the new head varsity coach on July 27, just one week after legendary coach Jerry English announced his retirement.

Diane Stephenson
Diane Stephenson

Stephenson, who operates the Positive Force Fastpitch Academy in St. Petersburg, served as the head softball coach at Indiana University from 1987 to 2002. She was also an assistant softball coach at both the University of Iowa (2008-2010) and Purdue University (2010-2013). Most recently, Stephenson was the head softball coach at Division II Saint Joseph’s College (2014-2015) in Renssalaer, Indiana.

“She performed…at the highest level for many years, and her enthusiasm for coaching, and her passion for leading student-athletes to reach their full potential, is contagious,” Academy at the Lakes athletic director Tom Haslam said, in a release. “There’s no doubt that coach Stephenson will be the person who will take our softball program to another level.”

Starting this school year, Academy will compete in the 3A division of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). The school was awarded as the state’s top 2A private school athletic program in 2015.

Upon hearing about the coaching vacancy, Stephenson reached out to the school, and met with Haslam and the independent school’s headmaster Mark Heller.

The coaching veteran came away impressed by the pair’s enthusiasm, as well as the school’s academic and athletic achievements.

“The things that Tom and Mark have accomplished in their athletic department is incredible,” Stephenson said. “The idea of working with so many students that aspire to go on and be college educated is great.”

Over the past five seasons under coach English, the varsity softball program combined for a 64-25 record, winning four district championships and one regional title.

“I think the former coach…laid a lot of really great groundwork, so it’s really a matter of just continuing what he had going on there,” Stephenson said.

Academy finished 11-6 last season, and expects to return 10 underclassman players, including rising sophomore Alexis Kilfoyl, who’s already committed to play softball at the University of Alabama.

As a freshman in 2016, Kilfoyl proved to be one of the top hitters (.562 avg., three home runs and 20 RBIs) and pitchers (1.36 ERA, 163 strikeouts in 103 innings) in Tampa.

“It sounds like we have a pretty good nucleus of kids to play softball,” Stephenson said. “Hopefully we can get the kids who played last year to get one more person each to come and play this year; I wouldn’t mind having a roster of 15 or 18 players.”

While having a bevy of skilled players is important, Stephenson said one of the main keys to the program’s success is ensuring the roster is chock full of teammates that are respectable and helpful to one another.

“The most valuable thing for all the girls that play softball is to learn to be a good teammate,” she said. “Teammates are really hard to find — be a good teammate and work on being the best you can be; work on having a great self-esteem and a positive influence on everyone around you.”

Moreover, Stephenson said she’ll use positive reinforcement to instill the game’s fundamentals to her players.

“I’m going to just do what I’ve always done: be a good teacher and work on fundamental skills,” she said. “There’s no secrets to softball — you just have to be the best thrower, be the best catcher and be the best fielder. I think the most important thing at every level is having a solid skillset and being able to count on it, so that it’s routine, and you’re relaxed when you play in a game.”

In addition to her softball coaching acumen, Stephenson comes to her new role equipped with hundreds of college recruiting contacts. Her Rolodex contains the names of about 80 percent of Division I head softball coaches, which may help more softball players receive college looks.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity for the kids not only in my program, but the other kids that I see playing, because I’m in constant contact with my former peers and colleagues,” Stephenson explained. “It’s one of the things that we do, we reach out and say, ‘Hey, I got a kid that might be worth looking at.’ It just comes with some kind of credibility since I’ve been at that level for 30 years.”

Stephenson still plans to operate the Fastpitch Academy in St. Petersburg, within the guidelines of the Florida High School Athletic Association.

Published August 3, 2016

No more slow-pitch softball for Lutz Leaguerettes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Refurbished fields will be another new feature this fall.

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

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

For more information, visit LutzSoftball.com.

Published July 27, 2016