Local Sports

Walking soccer league begins in New Tampa

June 22, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Colin Eke was fed up with playing soccer.

The 60-year-old was tired of the nagging injuries and the over-aggressiveness of “younger lads” he regularly played against.

After undergoing several operations — including Achilles and knee surgeries, plus a hip replacement — Eke decided about four years ago that it was best to stop playing the game he still loves.

“I hung my boots up,” said Eke, a native of Ipswich, England. “I was really wearing myself out.”

Colin Eke, center, has started an ages 50-and-over walking soccer league in New Tampa. The league begins play on July 3 at Benito Middle School. Eke is flanked by Daniel Coimbra and Samantha Buterbaugh — winners of the New APSL’s Golden Boot for scoring the most goals during the season. (Courtesy of Colin Eke) — Colin Eke, center, has started an ages 50-and-over walking soccer league in New Tampa. The league begins play on July 3 at Benito Middle School. Eke is flanked by Daniel Coimbra and Samantha Buterbaugh — winners of the New APSL’s Golden Boot for scoring the most goals during the season.
(Courtesy of Colin Eke)

After a few idle years, Eke is planning to play the sport again, albeit in a fashion that’s more accommodating to his age, and his knees.

As the league director of the New APSL (Adult Premier Soccer League) in New Tampa and Dade City, Eke is forming an Over 50s Walking Soccer League that begins play on July 3. Games will be played each week on the fields of Benito Middle School, 10101 Cross Creek Blvd., in Tampa. An introductory practice session will be held on June 26.

Described as “the fastest growing sport in the United Kingdom,” walking soccer is completely non-contact.

Many of the rules are different than traditional soccer.

For instance, there’s no running or jumping, no off-sides, no throw-ins, no entering penalty areas and no slide tackling.

As opposed to 11 versus 11, each walking soccer squad can only have six players on the field at any given time.

Considering the reduced numbers, the field (50 by 25 meters) and goalposts are also smaller than conventional soccer.

The sport (walking soccer) is growing very quickly, and I thought this could be a good chance to try something locally in Tampa,” said Eke, who started organizing various New APSL soccer leagues in 2012. “It tries to avoid injuries that can be caused through muscle strain, hamstring problems, back problems, ankle twisting and all those other things that happen when you’re over the age of 50.”

To further reduce the risk of injuries, there’s a penalty box, or “sin bin” for those that get hotheaded or try to bend the rules of the game, which last an hour, consisting of two 30-minute halves.

Eke hopes the variations to the world’s most popular sport will reignite the passion of the game for older players “without having to go to work on crutches.”

The league director said men and women of all skill levels are welcome, and he fully expects to have some people sign up that haven’t played the game in decades.

“We just do it for the fun and enjoyment of it,” he said. “That’s purely what the game is all about — some people are playing in their 90s in the U.K., which is quite incredible.”

Eke hopes to have at least four teams in place by June 26, with an eventual goal of 12 teams. To reach that mark, registration will remain open throughout the nine-week season for additional teams and individual players.

“If we get one person who loves it, he or she will tell their friends — that’s how we’ve grown to now,” he said.

In addition to a little competition and exercise for middle-aged and older folks, Eke said walking soccer will also serve as a bridge to meet others.

“It’s a lot of fun for us to meet new people and introduce it to so many that haven’t played the game for a long time,” he said. “They play together and make friends; it’s a social event where everyone shows up, and has a laugh and a joke, and goes home hopefully uninjured ready to play another game.”

Individuals can register for $45. A team (nine players) can register $400.

For more information on the league, visit NewAPSL.com, or call Colin Eke at (813) 610-2278.

Published June 22, 2016

Making 3s with ease

June 15, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Justin Dargahi has a penchant for knocking down 3-point shots.

So much so that he holds the Guinness World Record for the most 3s made from NBA range (23 feet, 9 inches) in one minute.

Firing three after three inside the Land O’ Lakes High School gymnasium, Dargahi knocked down 26 treys in 60 seconds on Jan. 4, breaking the previous set mark of 25. His feat became an official Guinness World Record in early May.

Justin Dargahi broke the Guinness World Record for most 3-pointers made in one minute (26) on Jan. 4.
(Photos courtesy of Justin Dargahi)

“I’ve always been the best shooter on my team in school,” said Dargahi, the head JV (Junior Varsity) coach for the Land O’ Lakes girls basketball team and former basketball player at Cambridge Christian School. “Shooting was always easy to me.”

The skill comes so easily for Dargahi that he claims he makes anywhere from 75 percent to 80 percent of 3-pointers he attempts when he’s “just shooting around for fun.”

He figures he can make about 95 percent of his free throw attempts, too.

“Anytime I was on a (school) team, I would always be the technical free-throw shooter,” said Dargahi, who began playing organized hoops at 11 years old. “I had a green light to shoot 3s most of the time. It was always like, ‘If we need a three, let’s get (Dargahi) the ball or set a screen for him.’

“In games, I would show off sometimes shooting 10 feet behind the (3-point) line,” he said.

Out of curiosity, the JV coach decided to look into some of the timed 3-point records a few years ago. When he saw some of the record totals, he realized he might have a decent chance at knocking down some of them.

“When I saw that record of 25, I was like, ‘I could get that,’” Dargahi said, with an air of confidence in his voice.

On his first attempt at the record, he nailed 18 shots.

While impressive for most, Dargahi knew he could shoot at a much higher clip.

This is an image of the Guinness World Record certificate of Justin Dargahi’s feat.

“I had a lot of bad luck; I had one of my friends helping me, and we weren’t clicking,” Dargahi said. “It just wasn’t scripted too well.”

To better organize a record-breaking strategy, Dargahi reckoned his best chance was to enlist the help of some of his JV roster at Land O’ Lakes.

About eight or nine of his players aided Dargahi by fetching loose balls and rapidly handing them to him at the top of the three-point arc as he continually fired from deep range.

The strategy worked, as he eventually knocked down 26 shots after a January JV practice.

“It was still kind of shocking when he got it,” sophomore Land O’ Lakes JV captain Claire Valeski said.

“We were all happy and all thought he would get it, but then again, it’s one of those things that’s like the luck of the draw,” she said.

Dargahi’s shooting philosophy was fixated on conserving energy.

“If I’m not on a great pace, I would stop. If I only have five or six (made 3s) after 20 seconds, instead of consume all my energy, I would just stop,” he said.

He also uses his arms more than his legs.

Dargahi admits he wished he could’ve put the record out of reach — perhaps making 29 or 30 3-pointers — knowing full well he may have to attempt the endeavor all over again if someone surpasses his current mark of 26.

While a prolific shooter during his high school career at Cambridge Christian, Dargahi didn’t receive much interest from college coaches.

“It’s hard when you’re 6 feet to play big-time college basketball, even if you are the best shooter,” said Dargahi, a 2007 graduate of the University of South Florida (USF). “I probably should’ve practiced on other stuff like dribbling and my defense.”

Instead, Dargahi settled for playing intramurals at USF, and occasionally entered shooting contests — which he typically won.

The love of the game and high-pressure competition led him into coaching, where he said he enjoys watching his players mature and develop their skills over the course of a season.

Despite his proclivity for making shots, Dargahi said he doesn’t particularly work with his JV players on their shooting technique.

“It’s hard for me to see through their eyes, because to me, it’s so easy,” he said. “I can’t get along their thought process, so I’m probably not the best shooting teacher.”

But, that doesn’t stop him from giving his players a few tips along the way.

“I would tell people: ‘Don’t worry about your form.’ The best shooters — a lot of them have weird form,” Dargahi said, noting that former NBA great Reggie Miller would cross his arms during his 3-point attempts. “I think form is totally overrated; I think (setting your) feet is more important. Do whatever you’re comfortable with.”

Dargahi doesn’t plan to end his shooting record quest anytime soon. The Land O’ Lakes hoops coach also has his eyes set on breaking the record for most made free throws in one minute (52) and the most 3-pointers made in two minutes (44).

Published June 15, 2016

Land O’ Lakes’ Hall of Fame adds members

June 8, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Land O’ Lakes Gators Athletics Foundation inducted five new members to the school’s athletics Hall of Fame during a dinner ceremony on May 24.

The inductees for the 2016 class were: the 2002-2003 girls soccer team, which won a state title; Jerry English, a longtime varsity softball coach; Lt. Col. Rhett Hierlmeier, a standout dual-sport athlete; Dianne McClendon, a key member of the Land O’ Lakes softball team during the late ‘70s; and Phil Teston, the school’s first player drafted in to the Major League Baseball.

About 180 people attended the induction ceremony. Approximately $12,000 to $15,000 was raised — most of which will go toward the construction of an athletic field house. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo) — About 180 people attended the induction ceremony. Approximately $12,000 to $15,000 was raised — most of which will go toward the construction of an athletic field house.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

The ceremony marked the school’s fourth Hall of Fame induction class, which began in 2013 after the Gators Athletics Foundation was established as a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

The foundation’s purpose is to “raise funds through donations and fundraising events for the direct benefit of the athletic programs at Land O’ Lakes High School.”

Antonio Tarver, a former World Boxing Council light heavyweight champion, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony, which drew about 180 people.

Jerry Brewster, vice president of the Gators Athletics Foundation, estimates that $12,000 to $15,000 was raised, several thousand dollars less than in previous years.

“The first three years we raised about $20,000 per year and so now the foundation has over $60,000 in there, but this past year, we just didn’t get as many sponsors as we had in prior years so…it was a little light from what we would’ve liked to have,” Brewster said.

Funds raised through the foundation are currently being allocated to build an athletic field house at the school, perhaps within the next five years.

From left: Dianne McClendon, Jerry English, Lt. Col. Rhett Hierlmeier and Phil Teston. (Courtesy of Land O' Lakes Gators Athletics Foundation) — From left: Dianne McClendon, Jerry English, Lt. Col. Rhett Hierlmeier and Phil Teston.
(Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes Gators Athletics Foundation)

Likely a $1 million to $1.5 million project, a field house would be the first step in upgrading the school’s athletic facilities in an effort to put it on par with other large schools throughout Tampa area. Ideally, features inside the field house could include boys and girls locker rooms, coaches’ rooms and a training area, Brewster said.

“We’ve got a vision of what we’d want it to look like,” the foundation’s vice president said. “We want to put an actual Hall of Fame (in) the field house, so when kids walk to the gym everyday, they have to go through the Hall of Fame; we want it to be something where kids can be inspired.”

In addition to nearly $70,000 in the foundation’s coffers, there’s an additional $150,000 commitment from a few of the foundation’s board members to help facilitate a field house project.

The organization also is in discussions with the Pasco County School Board to possibly create a joint partnership to spearhead a new athletic facility.

Meanwhile, in the next few months, the athletics foundation will deliberate candidates for next year’s Hall of Fame class. Typically, each class features a coach or administrator, a lifetime achievement award, one female athlete and two male athletes.

Both athletic prowess and the individual’s character are taken into account in evaluating Hall of Fame candidates, Brewster said.

Hall of Fame bios
2002-2003 Girls Soccer team
The Lady Gators capped off a 26-3 record in 2003 by winning the Class 2A state championship after they defeated Riviera Beach Suncoast High School 1-0. The Gators’ Stacy Bishop became the county’s all-time leading scorer during that season, while goalkeeper Shannon Aitken set the county’s career shutout mark. After the season, longtime girls soccer coach Vicki King was awarded the National Soccer Coaches Association coach of the year award.

Jerry English
Jerry English was the Land O’ Lakes varsity softball coach for 26 years, and also spent many years as the school’s assistant and head JV football coach before his retirement in 2003. During his tenure, English amassed 462 wins, 11 district championships, five regional championships, three sectional championships, three state final four appearances and two state runner-ups. He was also a two-time Florida Coach of the Year.
English taught PE, Social Studies and Diversified Career Technology (DCT) throughout his coaching career.

Lt. Col. Rhett Hierlmeier
Lt. Col. Rhett Hierlmeier (Class of ’95) lettered in both football and baseball at Land O’ Lakes High. In 1994, he captained the football team, where he was an all-conference quarterback and defensive back.
Hierlmeier earned a four-year Air Force ROTC scholarship and completed his private pilot’s license before attending the University of Florida. Upon being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, Hierlmeier attended Joint Undergraduate Pilot Training, where he was a distinguished graduate earning the Air Education and Training Command commander’s trophy. He also earned two master’s degrees and served as an Air Officer Commanding at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Diane McClendon
Diane McClendon (Class of ’79) was an integral part of the Land O’ Lakes softball team in the late ‘70s; her stellar play helped the Lady Gators finish state runner-up in both 1977 and in 1979. After graduation from high school, McClendon enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

Phil Teston
Phil Teston (Class of ’78) was a dual-sport athlete at Land O’ Lakes, excelling at both baseball and football. He was nominated to the all-area baseball team three consecutive years, and was a member of the Gators’ first district champion baseball team. In his senior season, the right-handed pitcher compiled a 0.86 ERA with 170 strikeouts in 87 innings. His performance on the baseball diamond caught the eyes of pro baseball scouts, as he was drafted in the 25th round by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1978—making him the school’s first Major League Baseball draft pick. Following a brief minor league stint, Teston became a registered cardiovascular invasive specialist, where he’s performed over 3,000 abdominal and thoracic endografts.

2016 Land O’ Lakes Athletic Hall of Fame class

2002-2003 girls soccer team
Jerry English—coach/administrator
Col. Rhett Hierlmeier—Lifetime Achievement Award
Dianne McClendon-female athlete
Phil Teston-male athlete

Published June 8, 2016

Steinbrenner and Gaither claim state titles

June 1, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The varsity baseball teams for Steinbrenner and Gaither high schools each completed impressive seasons, with both teams capturing state titles.

Steinbrenner High School baseball players celebrate the school’s first varsity baseball state title. They defeated Oviedo Hagerty in a 9-4 win in the Class 8A Florida High School Athletic Association state championship game. (Courtesy of Steinbrenner High baseball) — Steinbrenner High School baseball players celebrate the school’s first varsity baseball state title. They defeated Oviedo Hagerty in a 9-4 win in the Class 8A Florida High School Athletic Association state championship game.
(Courtesy of Steinbrenner High baseball)

Steinbrenner took its first baseball state title with a 9-4 win over Oviedo Hagerty in the Class 8A Florida High School Athletic Association state championship game on May 21 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers.

The Warriors (27-5) trailed Hagerty 4-1 in the sixth inning before erupting for an eight-run seventh inning, thanks to timely run production from junior Patrick Morris, and seniors Ryan Russell and Drew Burkhart.

On the mound, Morris and fellow junior Dave Crawford combined to pitch seven innings, giving up four runs (two earned).

The Warriors entered the state championship game on a 13-game winning streak, with their last defeat being a 7-3 road loss against Hillsborough High on March 29. For next season, the Warriors lose eight seniors, but return ace right-handed pitcher CJ Van Eyk (12 wins, 0.77 ERA, 130 strikeouts in 91 innings). Morris, the team’s top power hitter with four home runs and 11 doubles in 2016, also returns.

Gaither’s team prevailed in a nail-biting 2-1 extra-inning game over Venice High, securing the program’s first Class 7A FHSAA state championship.

Players from Gaither High School’s varsity baseball team signal that they’re No. 1. The team beat Venice High to secure the program’s first Class 7A FHSAA state championship. (Courtesy of Gaither High baseball) — Players from Gaither High School’s varsity baseball team signal that they’re No. 1. The team beat Venice High to secure the program’s first Class 7A FHSAA state championship.
(Courtesy of Gaither High baseball)

The Cowboys (20-9) held a 1-0 into the third inning before Venice tied the game 1-1. The Gaither offense finally got a spark in the eighth inning when leadoff hitter Jose Cadenas singled, and eventually scored the winning run on a Venice throwing error. Gaither senior pitchers David Masuck and Josh Bobrowski held Venice’s offense in check, combining to allow just one run on seven hits (no extra base hits), and one walk.

The Cowboys lose eight seniors from this year’s squad, including ace lefty Gavin Gillespie (0.79 ERA, 89 strikeouts in 88 and two-thirds pitched). However, second-year coach Nelson North will have the luxury of getting back five of the team’s top six hitters in 2017, including Cadenas, Chipper Holland, Kenny Rodriguez, Danny Gutcher and AJ Drisdom.

Steinbrenner and Gaither met once during the regular season, with the Warriors defeating the Cowboys 7-3 on March 31 at Gaither High.

–Information and statistics were gathered from FHSAA.org and Maxpreps.com.

Published June 1, 2016

Basketball coach casts wide net for quality recruits

May 25, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

For Anthony Crocitto, winning games is important.

Saint Leo University’s new women’s basketball coach hopes to be one of the top four teams in the Sunshine State Conference within four seasons.

To do that, the 20-year college-coaching veteran is on a mission to find high-level recruits — wherever they may live.

While he’s certainly looking for Florida-bred talent, he’s also searching far and wide to secure skilled players for the Division II program.

New Saint Leo women’s basketball coach Anthony Crocitto said he’ll look locally, nationally and internationally to find recruits. (Courtesy of Saint Leo Athletics) — New Saint Leo women’s basketball coach Anthony Crocitto said he’ll look locally, nationally and internationally to find recruits.
(Courtesy of Saint Leo Athletics)

By using this approach, there’s a chance he’ll land an imposing post player from Tampa, a crafty point guard from New York, or maybe a sharpshooting forward from Europe.

“We’re going to look internationally, locally and nationally to find the best fits,” Crocitto said last week. “You’ve always got to keep it open because you may get a call from Alaska, and you may get five calls locally, so you’ve just got to unturn every stone.

“Otherwise, you’re going to miss out on something,” he said.

Crocitto didn’t miss out on much in his previous coaching stop at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), leading them to a 26-9 record and an appearance in the Division II East Regional Championship game.

That team featured players from all over, including New York and Tennessee, and Egypt and Greece.

However, it’s not just about finding exceptional ballplayers, it’s also about finding compatible pieces that gel together on the court, the Lions coach said.

When he’s assembling a team, he’s looking for players with an intense desire to play and he’s considering the overall dynamics of the team.

“I think when you recruit that and you don’t have cliques, and you do your best to maintain it as a family, you’re…not going to have any wars within your program. I think that’s how we were so successful at NYIT — we were able to mesh all that to win,” he said.

“You’re not always going to recruit the players like we did at NYIT that are All-Americans,” he added, “but you can consistently change the culture in how you act and how you hold yourself, the character you recruit, and the people that surround you.”

The coach said he’s not just recruiting players. He’s going after Saint Leo alumni, as well.

He’s trying to generate alumni support for a program that experienced a disastrous 5-22 record last season, under Missy West, its former coach.

Crocitto wants to build the alumni base of support a little more each year, noting that graduates from the university may not have previously received “a whole lot of love, or even a phone call.”

The coach is so determined to bring alumni back into the fold that he and Saint Leo athletic director Francis X. Reidy plan to call at least five to 10 alumni each week, beginning in July.

They intend to increase community outreach, too.

One way to generate interest involves scheduling athletic department functions at restaurants from San Antonio to Wesley Chapel, where fans and alumni can meet coaches, ask questions and build relationships.

He believes this approach will eventually generate more interest in his program, and may lead to increased attendance at games. Attendance has been down for the past three years, dropping from an average of 250 fans per game in the 2013-2014 season to an average of 220 fans per game last year.

Crocitto wants to build a relationship with fans that makes them “feel special.” He wants them to feel “that they can come back and watch practice, come to games, and be a part of receptions, and get out into the community a little bit more.

“As you build your locker room, you try to get to know people and that’s where I’m very good at — networking and building something special,” the coach said.”

Published May 25, 2016

Middle school wrestler to compete at nationals

May 25, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Truman Noble, an eighth-grader at Martinez Middle School, has qualified to competed at a national wrestling tournament next month.

The wrestler, the son of Steinbrenner High wrestling coach Paul Noble, will face off in the USA Wrestling Schoolboy National Duals in Indianapolis, from June 8 to June 12.

To take part in the prestigious tournament, the 136-pounder first had to make the Florida Schoolboy National Team roster.

Truman Noble, left, grapples with fellow wrestler Justin Moran during a recent practice. (Courtesy of Paul Noble) — Truman Noble, left, grapples with fellow wrestler Justin Moran during a recent practice.
(Courtesy of Paul Noble)

He did that after winning his weight class (for his age group) at both the 2016 Father Devine National Qualifier, and the Freestyle and Greco Roman State Championships in Osceola.

“It felt good, it was shocking,” Noble said about making the roster. “I’m excited to see what I can do (at nationals).”

Despite Noble’s recent success, his father, Paul, noted that his son “struggled for years” at the sport until he began flourishing during the last 12 to 18 months.

“He’s started to really turn the corner,” said Paul, who’s been coaching wrestling at Steinbrenner High since the school’s opening in 2009.

“His skillset has always been pretty high as far as his technique, but getting things done on the mat hasn’t always translated from drills to being able to do it in a match situation. That’s just really kind of started to happen in the last year to year in a half,” he added.

The high school coach attributes his son’s recent triumphs on the mat to a heightened maturity and an increased commitment to becoming a more refined wrestler. He noted that the middle-schooler trains nearly every day.

The wrestler concurred. He said he has improved by “working hard and not giving up” when he loses.

Having a passion for the sport, combined with a competitor’s mentality, doesn’t hurt, either.

“It’s just fun,” said Truman, who’s been wrestling since third grade. “I like to compete at anything, just like if it’s backyard football or something.”

His son shows immense potential, but Paul noted that Truman will likely be facing older wrestlers when he enters Steinbrenner High because of his weight class.

Many gifted ninth-graders competed in the 106-pound or 113-pound weight class, but Truman is competing at a heavier weight.

That means there will be a steeper learning curve in order to be successful, the high school coach explained.

“He’s going to come in at 132 or 138 (pounds), and those kids are going to be juniors or seniors in high school. It’s going to take more of an effort to get to where he wants to be,” Paul said.

That work starts with hitting the weight room extensively this summer.

“I think his technique is fine, he’ll just have to continually get stronger and be ready for kids that are going to try to get him off of his game, get him out of his comfort zone — that’s what they’ll try to do to freshmen,” Truman’s father explained. “Some juniors and seniors don’t wrestle all year long, so they get kids that they know are probably more skilled than they are…and they try to beat them just with their physical prowess.

“If he gets stronger, he’ll be better,” he said.

Truman agrees, but said, “it definitely helps” to have a father that can continue to develop his wrestling skillset. He’s also excited to work with his dad more frequently once he joins the Steinbrenner High wrestling team.

Paul is “excited” too, but acknowledges that of the two, Truman is likely more enthusiastic about the future father-son wrestling scenario at Steinbrenner High.

“It’s nerve-wracking a little bit,” Paul acknowledged. “It’s a little different when it’s your kid, but we’re looking forward to it.”

Published May 25, 2016

Saint Leo coach ‘fascinated’ about opportunity

May 18, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Anthony Crocitto is “looking to build something special” in his new role as the new women’s basketball coach at Saint Leo University,

Crocitto, named Saint Leo’s new women’s basketball coach on May 4, replaces Missy West. She resigned on March 29 after a 14-40 record in two seasons, including a 5-22 record last season.

Anthony Crocitto was named Saint Leo’s new women’s basketball coach on May 4. He spent the past seven seasons coaching at the New York Institute of Technology, finishing with a 115-89 career record. (Photos courtesy of Saint Leo Athletics) — Anthony Crocitto was named Saint Leo’s new women’s basketball coach on May 4. He spent the past seven seasons coaching at the New York Institute of Technology, finishing with a 115-89 career record.
(Photos courtesy of Saint Leo Athletics)

Despite the team’s struggles in the win-loss column the past two seasons, Crocitto is “fascinated” by the opportunity to rebuild the women’s hoops program. He is confident it has all the ingredients to become a national contender at the Division II level.

“I believe with the facilities, the location, the academics and the support that Saint Leo athletics receives, there’s an opportunity to really take the program to another level — a national level in basketball,” Crocitto said. He last coached at NYIT (New York Institute of Technology) for seven seasons, guiding that program to three 20-win campaigns over the last four years.

“There are a lot of plusses to relocating to Saint Leo, for sure,” he said.

After more than 20 years of collegiate coaching, Crocitto plans to use his experience from his time at NYIT and as an assistant coach at places like the University of Central Florida (2006-07) and Hofstra University (2004-06).

Senior guard Chelsy Springs is one key player returning for Saint Leo in the 2016-2017 season. Springs led the team in scoring (16.2 points per game) and rebounding (7.6 rebounds per game) last season.

“I have the luck of working for some very good people at the Division I level, even my first job at the Division II level,” he said.

Crocitto said former Hofstra head coach (now University of Buffalo head coach) Felisha Legette-Jack was a major influence on his career. “I’ve been blessed with learning from some great people, so you combine all that together…and the opportunities at (Saint Leo) are greater because I’m combining the experience. As an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at a few stops, I was able to help rebuild three or four programs along the way, so…it leads to hoping we can reproduce what we did at (NYIT).”

Realistically, it may take a few seasons to see a major overhaul in the team’s winning percentage, but that won’t stop Saint Leo’s new coach from immediately implementing a change in the team’s style of play.

“I want to get up and down, and play fast,” he said. “Push the tempo as much as possible, but we got to grind it out on the defensive end, too. It’s really a big, big part of creating easy opportunities on the offensive end.”

To do that, he’ll need players — talented ones at that.

“At this level, to win, you’ve got to recruit some Division I kids, and you want to shoot for the moon and land on a star — you get a couple stars, and you’re a winner. It takes horses to win the derby,” Crocitto said.

“You can be the greatest coach in the world, but you still need players,” he said.

One player the incoming coach will have at his disposal for the 2016-2017 season is senior guard Chelsy Springs, the team’s leading scorer (16.2 points per game) and rebounder (7.6 rebounds per game) last season.

“I do like some of the pieces that are coming back,” Crocitto said. “We have an exceptionally talented young lady in Chelsy Springs that you can build her senior year around. We’re trying to bring in a couple players in the next few weeks as we’ve got some positions available, and I think it’s going to lead to an exciting season.”

In his first year, Crocitto said he’d “like to at least double the wins” from last year. Within four years, he wants the team to finish in the top four of the Sunshine State Conference.

“Obviously, I’m not that patient,” Crocitto said, echoing the sentiment of many basketball coaches nationwide. “But, you just don’t know what injuries you’re going to have, how your recruits are going to pan out, what level your returning players are truly at, so you want to do your best to see that happen. But, that’s a realistic goal.”

Anthony Crocitto
Head Coach
New York Institute of Technology (2009-2016)
Record: 115-89
Assistant coach
Longwood University (2007-09)
University of Central Florida (2006-07)
Hofstra University (2004-06)
Fairleigh Dickinson University (2002-04)

Published May 18, 2016

Land O’ Lakes state title bid falls short

May 18, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The score wasn’t indicative of how closely the game was played. At least that’s the opinion of Land O’ Lakes varsity softball head coach Mitch Wilkins on his team’s 5-0 loss to Plantation American Heritage in the Class 6A FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) state semifinals on May 6 in Vero Beach.

“I thought we played right even with them,” Wilkins said with authority. “Their bloop hits fell in and ours didn’t.”

Four of the Gators’ top hitters return next season, including sophomore Brianna Lindner, who led the team in home runs (6) this season. (Photos courtesy of Land O' Lakes Softball) — Four of the Gators’ top hitters return next season, including sophomore Brianna Lindner, who led the team in home runs (6) this season.
(Photos courtesy of Land O’ Lakes Softball)

Missed opportunities to score runs in the second, fifth and seventh innings handcuffed the Gators (27-3-1) from mounting a rally against American Heritage (26-2), the eventual Class 6A state champs.

Though Wilkins believes his squad matched up well with the Patriots, he acknowledged American Heritage was likely the best all-around team the Gators faced all year.

“I’d say their pitching was pretty close to Springstead (High), but hitting wise, I thought they were a little bit better than anyone we’ve faced other than maybe River Ridge,” the third-year Gators coach said.

While the Gators fell short in their hopes of winning a state title, advancing to the semifinals, or “Final Four,” will motivate the team to achieve even more success next year, Wilkins said.

“Getting the girls together and making the trip, it put a taste in their mouth that I think they’re looking to get back there,” he said. “We’re disappointed for the outcome, but in the same respect, we’re really excited and really wanting to get at it again.

“The girls were really looking forward to this season, because they knew they weren’t going to stop in the district (playoffs). They knew they were going to get to the postseason this year. They couldn’t wait to get started, and I think we’ll have the same feeling coming into next year knowing there’s a little unfinished business there,” he said.

The Land O’ Lakes Gators lost to Plantation American Heritage 5-0 in the Class 6A state semifinals on May 6 in Vero Beach.

Reaching the state tournament again won’t be an easy undertaking, as the Gators will no longer be able to rely upon the dominant arm of ace pitcher Shannon Saile, arguably the best pitcher in Pasco County this season. Saile, a Florida International University softball signee, compiled a 0.78 ERA and 269 strikeouts in 134 2/3 innings in her senior year.

Handling the loss of Saile’s immense production in the circle is something the Land O’ Lakes coaching staff will address in the offseason and into fall ball.

The team’s No. 2 pitcher Callie Turner (0.46 ERA, 79 strikeouts in 46 innings) is likely to step into the starting role now vacated by Saile, assuming the freshman continues to show the promise she displayed in the circle this past season.

“She’s got all the tools that it’ll take to become as dominant as Shannon (Saile) was this year. She just probably needs a little more experience,” Wilkins said about the rising sophomore. “She just needs to mature a little bit and keep her emotions in check, and understand what her job is. She doesn’t have to do everything — we’ve got a solid defense behind us — and she doesn’t have to strike out every batter, she just has to keep the ball off the fat part of the bat.”

Finding quality pitching won’t be the only aspect the Gators’ head coach will focus on as he looks to build an even more successful squad next season. He also plans to tackle the hitting woes the Gators experienced down the stretch of the state playoffs. In their final three games, Land O’ Lakes scored a total of two runs — each scored in one-run victories over River Ridge High and Springstead High, before being shut out by American Heritage.

“In the last three games, we didn’t hit as well as we needed to,” Wilkins said, “so that’s something that we’ll definitely be working on.”

Luckily, the Gators’ top four hitters are returning in Ashley Smith (.449 avg.), Jessie McCallister (.442 avg.), Tia Williams (.433 avg., four home runs) and Brianna Lindner (.373 avg. six home runs.)

However, putting those hitters in the right spots in the batting order, as new faces are added to the lineup, is the challenge going forward.

“We have to figure out how we’re going to realign our lineup,” Wilkins said, “and figure out what the best combination is going to be…and what works best (to) score some more runs later in the season when it counts.”

Key Departures:

Pitcher Shannon Saile (0.78 ERA, 269 strikeouts)
Catcher Tayler Holt (.347 avg, 14 RBIs)
Infielder Kendall Tipton (.311 avg, 12 doubles, 15 RBIs)

Key Returnees:

Pitcher Callie Turner (0.46 ERA, 79 strikeouts)
Outfielder Jessie McCallister (.442 avg., 14 RBIs)
Third baseman Brianna Lindner (.373 avg., six home runs, 29 RBIs)
Utility player Ashley Smith (.449 avg., two home runs, 16 RBIs)
Shortstop Tia Williams (.433 avg., four home runs, 32 RBIs)

Published May 18, 2016

Former Wharton standout back in Tampa Bay

May 11, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

It’s not often a local high school football star is drafted in the NFL.

It’s even less likely for a prep star to be drafted his hometown NFL franchise in the first round of the draft.

But that’s what happened when former Wharton High cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III was picked 11^th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 28.

Hargreaves, who graduated from Wharton High in 2013, still reminisces the three years he spent on the Wildcats’ varsity football team, playing for longtime Wharton head coach, David Mitchell.

Wharton High alum Vernon Hargreaves III was drafted in No. 11 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 29. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers) — Wharton High alum Vernon Hargreaves III was drafted in No. 11 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 29.
(Courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

“Those were great,” Hargreaves said about his Wharton playing days, during a recorded media conference. “You know, Coach Mitchell’s a great coach. …He taught me how to work hard, he taught me how to be a great player, how to be the best and I’m excited to be back home.”

The opportunity to “be back home” was a dream come true for Hargreaves, who played three collegiate seasons with the Florida Gators before declaring for the NFL Draft.

“It’s surreal. It was the best thing I ever could have asked for,” the two-time All-American said. “It doesn’t get better than to get drafted by your home team. …I’m 40 minutes away from the facilities and it’s great. I can see my mom (Jackie) when I want to now, it’s awesome.”

Hargreaves, the son of Vernon Hargreaves Jr. — a linebackers coach at the University of Arkansas — believes he has the skillset and football acumen to make an immediate impact for the Bucs as a rookie.

“Playing in the SEC (Southeastern Conference) gave me the experience and the opportunity to cover guys of that (NFL) caliber. Seeing them already…gives me a place to start on how I can slow these guys down,” he said.

“I’m very confident in myself, very confident in my abilities.”

Listed at 5-foot-10, some pundits feel Hargreaves lacks the desired height to succeed against taller receivers at the next level.

Jason Licht, Bucs general manager, disagrees with those sentiments.

“There have been a lot of Pro Bowl corners – a lot – that have been his size: 5-10 and a half,” Licht said during the media conference. “Great players come in a lot of different sizes and different packages. We feel that his thickness and his build, he’s a sturdy player, he can press, he can tackle and he’s very quick and athletic and has good ball skills. Vernon is a guy that we feel brings a lot of versatility.”

“I’m just an overall good football player,” Hargreaves said. “Love to play ball, can adapt to any type of defense, any type of receiver. I’ve covered them all. I can play bump-coverage, can play man-coverage. All of that is in my game.”

At Wharton, Hargreaves was widely considered one of, if not, the best high school cornerback in the nation for the 2013 recruiting class. During his time in a Wildcats varsity uniform, Hargreaves racked up 203 tackles and nine interceptions. He was also a standout track athlete, where his long jump (22’ 3.50) ranks second in school history, and his 100-meter dash (11.17 seconds) ranks fifth in school history. His natural athleticism, combined with his on-field football prowess made him a consensus five-star recruit boasting more than 50 college scholarship offers, before he chose the University of Florida.

Though he’s just months removed from his college career and a few years removed from his high school career, Hargreaves isn’t shy about stepping into the NFL spotlight.

“It’s going to be exciting,” he said. “I’m ready to showcase my skills.”

What experts are saying about former Wharton High standout Vernon Hargreaves III:

“He has as many tools and attributes for long-term NFL success as any defensive back in the (2016) draft class: speed, range, aggression, good hands and short-area quickness. If he is able to dial back his more passionate tendencies, avoid thinking too much about contact and focus on his assignment more often, Hargreaves could easily show up as an perennial Pro Bowler and a legit No. 1 shutdown guy.” –Doug Farrar, Sports Illustrated.com

“He’s the best corner maybe I’ve seen in two or three years. Now he’s only 5-foot-10, but he’s thick. Great feet and change of direction. He finds the football in the air.” –Mike Mayock, NFL.com

“Hargreaves is an undersized cornerback who is one of the most instinctive and natural man coverage cornerbacks in the 2016 draft class. …Overall, he has the football intelligence, the movement skills and the willingness in run support to develop into a quality starting cornerback outside the hashes or become one of the better nickelbacks in the NFL.” –Kevin Weidl, ESPN.com

“Hargreaves plays with a decisive reactor to maintain proper positioning and make plays on the ball (38 career passes defended), but his timing and spacing have room for improvement. Although he has only ordinary size, Hargreaves is above average in three main areas for the position: play speed, instincts and competitive toughness.” –Rob Rang, CBSSports.com

“He does it all—tackles, passes defensed. He has the hands to flip the field and create turnovers. But, what I like most about him is his explosion and agility on short routes. He takes away targets…and I think he’s going to be a playmaker because of that in the NFL.” -Matt Miller, BleacherReport.com

Published May 11, 2016

Batter up: Seniors welcome in this league

May 11, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Local senior citizens looking for fun, fitness and friendships don’t have to look much further than the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League.

Since it’s inception over four years ago by Walt Bockmiller, the league has been growing each year.

The 2015-2016 NTBSS season was dedicated to the late Tom McDonald, a former member of the league. From left to right are Tom Mcdonald Jr., Cindy Rush, Corey Ann and Walt Bockmiller. (Courtesy of Walt Bockmiller) — The 2015-2016 NTBSS season was dedicated to the late Tom McDonald, a former member of the league. From left to right are Tom Mcdonald Jr., Cindy Rush, Corey Ann and Walt Bockmiller.
(Courtesy of Walt Bockmiller)

The league began with about 20 players, but had more than 90 players when the most recent season ended on April 29.

Men and women of all skills levels are welcome.

But you can’t play in this league unless you are least 60.

Bockmiller, a former longtime parks and recreation official, said it’s ideal for seniors who’ve never played organized softball to get involved with the league.

“All levels play,” Bockmiller said. “They come out, they hit, run, throw and catch, and they’re all placed on a team by a draft.”

While scores are kept during the 7-inning games played at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, more emphasis is placed on having fun and enjoying the game rather than on winning.

In other words, sportsmanship rules over player excellence and competition.

“They come and get a smile,” Bockmiller said about the league’s players. “They make errors, they hit and they have excitement. They do good, they do bad, but they all have fun.”

Bockmiller noted the league is a great way for local residents to meet new people and develop long-lasting friendships, too.

“That’s the big side benefit, the best thing of it,” said Bockmiller, acknowledging he didn’t know anyone when he moved to Land O’ Lakes in 2009. “The playing gives you the fitness, but the other big benefit is the smiles that they get by…forming relationships.

“Many of these people that have met other people now go on cruises with (each other), or they go out to eat together,” the league organizer added. “It’s the socialization factor.”

Games are typically played Friday mornings between 9 a.m. to noon from September through April, with a winter break between December and January.

The league’s past season was dedicated to the late Tom McDonald, who passed away in July 2015 after suffering a heart attack.

McDonald, a retired police officer who was heavily involved in the league, was described as “gregarious” and someone who “loved to make friends,” Bockmiller said.

McDonald’s death sparked the idea for the league — which recently incorporated as a nonprofit organization— to work toward purchasing a defibrillator to ensure player safety.

Bockmiller noted the league has about “98 percent” of the funding to purchase a defibrillator, which typically costs somewhere between $1,200 to $1,400.

“We’re taking donations to make sure we get the goal accomplished,” he said. “Because of Tom’s passing, we realized we needed that.”

Once purchased, Bockmiller plans to have every league member trained on the device in the case of an on-field emergency, which is especially critical, considering the league has some players who are over age 80.

“I want everybody to know how to operate that thing — not just four people,” Bockmiller said. “Everybody’s got to know. The device is there, so you’ve got to (know how) to use it.”

With the softball season over, Bockmiller is currently creating a growth plan to expand the league, hoping to add more players and more teams.

Meanwhile, he’s organizing indoor pickup basketball, volleyball and Ping-Pong for seniors until next year’s softball registration.

“We are always growing. Each year, we grow,” Bockmiller said.

Published May 11, 2016