Local Sports

Sunlake stays calm, steady even after Pasco upset

September 11, 2013 By Michael Murillo

Every high school football team has some optimism when they start a new season. But if your first opponent is considered the best in the county — riding a 38-game regular season winning streak — that optimism might be tempered.

Unless you’re the Sunlake Seahawks.

Sunlake Seahawks head coach Bill Browning doesn’t want his team to become content. Despite ending Pasco High School’s four-year win streak, there is still a long road to the district title. (File photo)

The Seahawks never trailed in a 17-6 home victory over the Pasco Pirates on Aug. 30. And even though the gridiron crew from Sunlake High School is considered a strong team in their own right, they know it was a special accomplishment to beat someone who hasn’t seen the losing column in the regular season since 2009.

“I hate to rank victories, but it was obviously a huge victory just from the fact that Pasco has dominated everybody in the regular season for so long,” said Coach Bill Browning, who has been with Sunlake’s football program since its inception seven years ago. That tenure includes a few previous losses to the Pirates, but Browning feels that other milestone wins in the school’s history contributed to a sense that they could finally turn the corner against the county’s regular-season juggernaut.

The Seahawks had a small lead when the marching bands took the field halfway through. While Browning was feeling good about his team’s chances, it wasn’t until the opening plays of the second half that he felt like it was going to be Sunlake’s night.

“It was a close game going in at halftime,” Browning said. “We went out (to start the third quarter), received the football and took the first play for a long touchdown. That was huge. I think that gave us the momentum in the second half and they (Pasco) could never re-establish that momentum.”

That play was a 64-yard touchdown run by the team’s starting fullback, junior Logan Wolfe. It was Wolfe’s second touchdown of the night and made him the team’s star in one of the school’s biggest wins. But he’s not interested in taking much credit for himself.

“The huge run would never have happened if it wasn’t for this team’s offensive line. They produced that huge hole for me to run through, so that 64-yard run was all them,” Logan said.

In fact, he credits his teammates on the other side of the ball — the Seahawks’ defense, which frustrated Pasco throughout the evening — with the key to the victory. He believes they have one of the best defenses in the state.

Whoever gets to share credit for the big win, Browning is making sure they don’t get too overconfident from it: The Seahawks’ reward for toppling the Pirates was a tough week of practice to prepare for their next game this past weekend.

Yet Sunlake persevered, beating River Ridge 25-0, and improving to 2-0 on the season.

The team’s goals are the same as before — win the district title and reach the state playoffs. But Browning acknowledges that the win gave the Seahawks a boost and a little swagger, and shows the athletes what they’re capable of accomplishing.

But Browning isn’t adopting any new swagger himself: With around 35 years of coaching experience and more than 20 years in the head coach’s role at schools like Hernando High School and Springstead High School in addition to Sunlake, he doesn’t allow himself to become too elated and dejected following a single game.

In fact, it wasn’t long after the Friday night win that Browning turned his attention to their next opponent.

“To be truthful, Saturday morning I was focused on River Ridge,” Browning said with a laugh. “I’m one who never gets too high, and I don’t get too low. I try to stay at a happy medium. Coaches who don’t do that get on roller coaster rides, and they’re the ones who have a tendency to burn out and don’t last very long in the game.”

Tampa Bay Rebels may look abroad for competition next year

September 11, 2013 By Michael Murillo

If you’ve never seen the Tampa Bay Rebels, a semipro basketball team that plays its home games at Freedom High School in New Tampa, you might wonder if they’re any good. Can a local team really play entertaining basketball at a high level?

According to team founder and head coach Fernando Rojas, you’d be pleasantly surprised.

Tampa Bay Rebels head coach Fernando Rojas gives his semipro basketball team a pep talk from the bench during last year’s 10-2 regular season campaign. (Photo courtesy of Fernando Rojas)

“My opinion is this: We play the highest level of basketball in the Bay area,” he said. “We have had players from the NBA’s Developmental League, players that played on NCAA championship teams, and many players with experience in European basketball. This combination of skill and maturity elevates the game higher than any college level.”

If Rojas sounds confident in his team, it’s because they have the history to back it up. Playing in the Florida Basketball Association, the team went 11-1 last year before dismantling the Heartland Prowl in the league’s championship game. And in 2013, they followed it up with a 10-2 regular season and another trip to the championship game.

This year, the Rebels came within a basket of back-to-back titles, losing 111-109 to that same Heartland Prowl club they defeated the year before.

According to Rojas, building a winner in such a short time — the club started operations in 2011 — is no accident. He follows a corporate philosophy, which involves individual responsibility and goal setting, and he wants everyone onboard.

That includes staff as well as players. Rojas’ director of scouting, Andrew Phillips, has been onboard since before the Rebels existed. Phillips was also involved with the Tampa Bay Sharks, a touring team Rojas founded before the Rebels, and he believes the Rebels’ success begins with its founder.

“I think a lot of it just has to do with leadership and the vision that Fernando has put into place,” Phillips said. “From an organizational standpoint, we try to have clear goals and objectives, and we’ve been fortunate to be able to meet most of those.”

Those goals include finding talent and executing on the court, but it doesn’t stop there. The Rebels stay involved in the community, Rojas said, and he believes it’s important for a local team to partner with local charities.

“We all live in the same community: Players, fans and coaches,” he said. “It just makes sense to participate and make the lives of others better.”

The Rebels already have supported groups like Boys & Girls Club and Habitat for Humanity, and will be involved with the Police Athletic League next season. Rojas said he hopes to work with others in the future as well.

The Rebels play their games at Freedom, but that’s not the only connection to the school. Rojas is in his fourth year as a volunteer assistant coach for the school’s varsity team, and he enjoys giving his student-athletes a chance to connect with veterans who have attained success at the collegiate and professional level.

“Bringing my semipro team to Freedom gives the young players an opportunity to see players who attended renowned college programs and follow their dreams,” Rojas said.

Even though the team’s season ended last month, the Rebels aren’t the kind of franchise to sit idle. Tryouts are scheduled for next March, and Rojas is looking into taking the team abroad to face some foreign competition.

And Phillips already is looking at improving the roster for next season with a focus on size at the power forward and center positions. He hopes to add players who will provide depth, and challenge existing team members for expanded playing time.

As part of his scouting, Phillips looks at local colleges and leagues for athletes who want to continue playing and have the skills to compete at the level the Rebels demand, which ensures that the team retains its local roots.

But regardless of the names on next year’s roster, Phillips has confidence in the team because he has confidence in the man guiding them.

“We know what we can do, we know what the goals are, and that they can be met,” Phillips said. “And there’s a willingness on (Rojas’) end to put in the time to get it done.”

For more information on the Rebels, visit www.tampabayrebels.com.

Land O’ Lakes runners race toward lofty goals

September 4, 2013 By Michael Murillo

Coaches don’t usually like to tip their hand before a season starts, and Kris Keppel has coached cross-country at Land O’ Lakes High School for enough years to have seen almost everything.

But as the Gators prepare to start their season, he can’t hide his optimism.

“This will be my 20th year coaching, and this is the best team I’ve ever coached,” Keppel said. “To me, it would be kind of a disappointment if we don’t finish sixth or higher.” Keppel is setting the bar high for the team, which competes at Class 3A in the state’s high school athletics program. None of his teams have ever finished better than seventh.

Yet the team’s preseason rankings (sixth in Class 3A) bolstered his confidence. And it doesn’t hurt his team returned three state qualifiers from last season — Tyler Stahl, Travis Nichols and Jake Poore.

Of course, as a veteran coach, Keppel is leaving nothing to chance. Those top runners have each logged around 1,000 miles in preparation for the season, and Keppel constantly challenges his team with a variety of courses around the Bay area, even going as far as San Antonio to find suitable terrain.

Keppel also keeps them focused with weekly and monthly goals, emphasizing the importance of training smart. “One of my quotes is ‘The small things make a big difference,'” he said.

Stahl has seen the wisdom of Keppel’s phrase during his years on the team (he’s been a member throughout his high school career), and is taking it seriously heading into his senior season.

“This summer I have stretched more, worked out more, have eaten healthier and done more core training,” Stahl said. “I definitely feel a difference when I run, and the little things have definitely benefited me.”

Those little things are already bearing fruit for the team: Stahl finished first at the Red Mule Labor Day 5k on Aug. 26. He also had familiar company at the top: Nichols (second) and Poore (third) ensured that Land O’ Lakes had a dominant showing and appear ready for that successful season Coach Keppel expects.

That showing is especially important for the team, since the location (McKethan Lake Park in Hernando County) is also the site of the district competitions on Oct. 24.

When asked about keys to the team’s success, Stahl said that their depth will play a big role — specifically their No. 5 spot, which is up for grabs heading into the season.

“I’m pretty confident that our top four will race well this year, but we really don’t have a definite fifth runner,” Stahl said, adding that he believes one of the team’s other 16 members will need to step into that spot and provide reliable performances.

“It rests in the hands of our fifth runner, whoever that may be,” Nichols said. “The fifth spot is being fought for by six guys who aspire to be under 17 (minutes in the 5-kilometer competitions) by the end of the season.”

Each runner will also have to make sure they get enough rest in order to have a successful year, since so many miles of running in practice and events can wear them down by the time they get to the state competitions.

As a result, their regimen includes eating right, getting rest and meeting specific goals for practices so they’re not wearing themselves out before their competitions and can meet their challenges with fresh legs.

And even after nearly 20 years of cross-country coaching experience, Keppel is showing no signs of fatigue, either.

“It’s just what I like to do. It’s coaching,” Keppel said. “There are some days that it’s hot out there, but I just plug away because I know that when Saturday comes, when I wake up, I’m excited. I want to see my guys run well.”

By Michael Murillo

Buddy Baseball a big hit with special needs community

August 28, 2013 By Michael Murillo

Athletes cheer each other on, talk strategy, share high-fives and enjoy the camaraderie of playing a team sport.

They make friends, celebrate good plays and congratulate each other while parents watch the games and support their children. After the game, everyone leaves with a smile and a desire to take the field again the following Saturday.

The only thing missing is the hard-core competition: There isn’t any. The score is an afterthought at best.

April Dean receives a game ball at Buddy Baseball, an organization that allows children with disabilities to participate in team sports with the help of on-field assistants who provide physical and emotional support. (Photo courtesy of Russ Oberbroeckling)

Just getting a chance to play is what matters, because the athletes might be in a wheelchair, have autism, or have some other physical, psychological or neurological challenge that makes playing more difficult. But none of those challenges prevent them from playing in the Buddy Baseball League, which partners each athlete with a “buddy” who guides them through the game, offers encouragement and allows them to take part in an experience that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

Now in its fifth year, Buddy Baseball plays its games on Saturdays, beginning in late September, at the Temple Terrace Recreation Complex, 6610 E. Whiteway Drive. But its players — boys and girls with special needs ages 10-22 — come from all over the Tampa Bay Region (some even as far away as Sarasota or Plant City), and the league provides helmets, bats and balls, as well as hat and T-shirt uniforms to all participants.

Each player is also assigned at least one buddy and will get a feel for their role during a designated practice before each scheduled game.

According to Russ Oberbroeckling, Buddy Baseball commissioner, the format allows disabled children to go from permanent spectators to instant athletes.

“They really can’t play baseball on a regular team because their disability holds them back,” Oberbroeckling said. “Now they can play on a team and be successful at it because they have a buddy there to help.” The activity also allows them to make friends and enjoy the camaraderie of organized sports.

Oberbroeckling also explained that the buddies, who are normally in the same age range as the participants, enjoy helping the players and being part of a special organization. But Buddy Baseball impacts people off the field as well: Parents get to cheer on their children and be part of a sports community that otherwise might not be available to them.

“It’s very social for the parents,” Oberbroeckling said. “For an hour and a half, they can go out to a baseball game, sit in the stands, enjoy the game and they’re meeting other people with similar situations.”

Amy Dean, a Lutz resident whose daughter plays Buddy Baseball, agrees that parents also benefit from the organization.

“We’ve gotten to where we know each other now, because the same parents tend to be there,” Dean said. They give each other tips and advice, and enjoy the games together.

But the biggest recipient is her daughter, April. The 20-year-old, who has hypotonic cerebral palsy, is starting her fifth season with Buddy Baseball (the league plays two seasons a year), and she’s gone from knowing nothing about the sport to practicing with her family between games.

“She’s looked forward to it from day one. Just absolutely loves it,” Dean said. The social component is also important, as Dean wants her daughter to be comfortable interacting and making friends in an atmosphere that includes people without disabilities, such as the buddies.

And April has had no problem making friends and enjoying herself at the games.

“I’ve been having fun at Buddy Baseball,” she said. “The coaches and the helpers, they help us with the batting and the pitching. We have a lot of fun at the games.”

While the Buddy Baseball League continues to grow in popularity (the league will have 90-100 players in two age divisions this season), it remains an expensive endeavor. A nominal fee for players only covers a small portion of the cost, and they offer a number of scholarships for families who might have financial difficulties. The league depends on outside sponsorships, donations and a charitable event to continue operating.

That event is the third annual Buddy Run 5k and Fun Run, which will be Nov. 3 at Lake Park, 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway. Last year’s event featured approximately 260 runners and raised more than $10,000 for Buddy Baseball and Congregation Beth Am, a Reform Jewish congregation serving Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Westchase and all surrounding areas. The event includes a competitive 5k Run at 8 a.m., a one-mile Fun Run at 9 a.m. and a Buddy Dash for runners with special needs only.

For information about the event, e-mail . To register online, visit www.active.com and search for “Buddy Run 5k.”

The upcoming Buddy Baseball season runs from Sept. 28 through Nov. 9, and registration ends on Aug. 28.

For more information about Buddy Baseball or registration, visit www.buddybaseball.org, e-mail , or call (813) 416-5742.

By Michael Murillo

Romeo to match golf talents with PGA Champions

August 28, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Terese Romeo combines above-average athletic ability with strong perseverance and character to get eye-popping results on the golf course. And that hard work is paying off as she’s set to take part in the Nature Valley First Tee Open in Pebble Beach next month.

The open, Sept. 27-29, will give Romeo a chance to pair up with members of the PGA Champions Tour, who serve as mentors.

“I had to apply for a spot,” said Romeo, a member of The First Tee of Tampa Bay, a golf group designed to provide affordable and accessible golf to children from moderate socio-economic backgrounds.

Terese Romeo tees off during a practice round at Rogers Park, part of The First Tee of Tampa Bay. Romeo, who participates in the group designed to provide affordable and accessible golf to children, will take part in a Champions Tour event in Pebble Creek in September. (Photo courtesy of the Tampa YMCA)

Romeo is one of 81 participants selected from First Tee chapters from around the country, and was the only girl asked to apply from the Tampa Bay chapter.

“You have to write essays, and have volunteers hours, along with golf,” she said.

The 16-year-old Freedom High School junior from Tampa Palms has already accomplished quite a bit, both on and off the links. Just last year, she won the Class 2A-District 10 golf championship as well as a regional title en route to an 11th-place finish at states — all after recovering from surgery.

“Terese had surgery and came back with a cast,” Freedom girls golf coach Rich Simard said. “She had to play four matches to qualify for district, and I had her go out and play. She used her left hand and swung with one hand. I’ve never seen anything like that all the years I’ve been around golf.”

The team played off the red tees, which are typically placed behind the white tees for championship tourneys.

Romeo has battled with injuries in the past. She hurt her wrist competing in gymnastics a couple years back, forcing her to miss her entire freshman golf season. Now, after two surgeries, Romeo is poised to have her best-ever high school season on the links.

“Now everything is great,” she said. “I hit the ball really straight and put the ball in places where I need to place it.”

Romeo competes in American Junior Golf Association tournaments, and is a longtime member of The First Tee of Tampa Bay, a program of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.

“I’ve known Terese since she first started with us when she was eight or nine years old,” First Tee golf coach Jeff Leonard said. “She’s such a competitor. Her putting and chipping comes naturally, and her swing is consistent. She can drive the ball 230 yards.”

Leonard is also impressed with Romeo’s work off the links, amassing at least 400 volunteer hours, mostly as a park camp counselor for younger kids.

“The First Tee has been really good for her,” Leonard said. “It gives her a place to channel her energy.”

And now it will give her a chance to play with a PGA legend at Pebble Creek where the competition will be tough, but there will be a lot to learn as well.

“I’d like to play with Tom Watson or Hale Irwin,” Romeo said. “I met Hale during a senior tour tournament here in Tampa. I was in the gallery during the pro-am event and his amateur walked over to me and asked me to hit his golf ball.”

It was a par-3 hold, and Romeo had to hit it on the green.

“Hale came over and talked with me, and walked with me down the fairway,” Romeo said. “I’ve seen him a couple of times since, and he remembered me. He’s a nice guy.”

“It was a par-3 hole and I hit it on the green. Hale came over and talked with me and walked with me down the fairway. I’ve seen him a couple of times since and he remembered me. He’s a nice guy.”

The 5-foot, 93-pound Romeo works hard at refining her game when she isn’t competing against opponents.

“I practice almost every day,” said Romero, who scored a hole-in-one when she was 13. “I’ll play four, nine or 18 holes. I need to practice more.”

Romeo’s plans for the future include playing golf in college — just to start.

“I want to become a teaching pro out of college,” she said. “Then maybe try to make the LPGA tour.”

And if anyone can accomplish that, it’s Romeo, her Freedom coach added.

“Terese has a great attitude for the game of golf,” Simard said. “I think if she continues to progress like she has progressed, she could be one of the top high school players in the country.”

Freedom developing team bond to continue success

August 21, 2013 By Steve Mistretta

By Jeff Odom

The Freedom High volleyball team has a new motto this season that is aimed at keeping its run of success going and developing younger players.

That fresh adage, according to interim coach Michelle Davis, is “One Team, One Dream.” But to the team, it’s much more than just a slogan on the back of a T-shirt.

Freedom senior setter Kelly Schaller had 154 digs and 80 assists for the Patriots last season. (File photo)

“We’re going to incorporate co-practices this season to really work with our girls (to) have a one-team atmosphere between our junior varsity and varsity players,” said Davis, who is filling in at head coach this season for Kerry Short, who is out on maternity leave.

“What (assistant coach Jeff) Saxton and I have noticed with some of the junior varsity from last year was that some of them were not ready to move to the varsity level, because they did not have the talent and the skills to get there. But the best way to build a solid program is to make sure we have a strong junior varsity team, so we’re focused on that to have a feeder program, which is going to be very important moving forward.”

The Patriots are coming off of three straight winning seasons, which included a runner-up finish in Class 7A-District 9 last year.

However, if Freedom continues its run of success, the squad will have to do it without 2013 graduate Jasmyn Perry (422 kills) and senior outside hitter Ashley Wilson (212 kills, 190 digs), who are no longer with the team.

While the team will feel the impact left by their voids both on and off the court, Davis said, it’s best for her players to treat it like a work environment where people come and go.

“You’ve got to move forward and that’s the sign of a true champion,” she said. “These girls have really picked that up. At the beginning of the season, they acknowledged there was a hole and we weren’t sure with (junior varsity) girls stepping up or incoming freshmen, what we were going to have. And we’ve been very fortunate that everyone’s been healthy and everyone has stayed focused and strong and they are one collective unit that wants success for the program.”

One of the ways her team has worked to fill that hole is through honing their skills and staying in shape through outdoor beach volleyball.

“Running in the sand, playing in the sand and playing in the heat has made their conditioning level already really high coming into this year,” Davis said. “And there’s no hiding a girl like you can indoors if you have a girl who’s taller and can be put onto the back row and you can sub a girl out, there’s none of that happening in beach. So, it’s made the girls have to work a little bit harder to become more well-rounded.”

One of the teams that Freedom is trying to learn from is none other than cross-town rival Steinbrenner, which has won four district championships in as many years.

Davis was originally hired as the Warriors’ junior varsity coach, but opted to come to Freedom when a spot opened because it was closer to her New Tampa home. After seeing how strong Steinbrenner’s junior varsity program was, the idea of meshing practices became a no-brainer and, so far, it has led to many of her players stepping up as leaders. That includes setter Kelly Schaller (154 digs, 80 assists) and defensive specialist Gabbi Jacobs, who had 105 digs and 27 aces last season, according to statistics as entered by coaches to MaxPreps.com.

Jacobs said the early guidance of Davis has helped the program tremendously in just the first few days of organized practice, and added that she feels like the team has a good chance to make even bigger strides this season to possibly steal the district championship.

“We’ve all worked really well together, and we all have really strong players,” Jacobs said. “Even though we’re just now at the beginning, we’re all looking really good together.”

Davis said she’s expecting a lot out of Jacobs, a senior, and believes her speed is going to be great for her back row. However there is one other player that has caught her eye, and that’s Jacobs’ sister, Carlee, a sophomore outside hitter.

“With those girls running the back row, I have a lot of confidence in our defense, and I don’t see our back row letting anything get by,” Davis said.

Still, even with a surplus of young talent and blossoming leaders, Davis said she knows it’s going to be a difficult schedule at times. But that won’t stop her from making any bold predictions.

“This program has the opportunity to be fantastic, because these girls are working so hard,” Davis said. “I honestly don’t think they’re going to be stopped this year. I know that we have Sickles and Steinbrenner and they may see us as an underdog, but I have the utmost confidence in this team. I think we will win the district championship.”

Freedom opens the regular season at home against Hillsborough on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.

Seniors hope to take Wiregrass volleyball to next step

August 21, 2013 By Steve Mistretta

By Jeff Odom

As Mindy Kantor walked into the Wiregrass Ranch gymnasium recently, the Bulls’ volleyball coach took a moment to glance at the row of championship banners hanging from the rafters.

Football, baseball, soccer, cross-country and track are just a few that are christened with seasons of titles, glory and remembrance of their respective accomplishments.

Then, there’s volleyball — blank.

“They believe in themselves. They’re determined,” said Kantor, the only coach since the school opened in 2007. “We’ve built this team on respect for everything — the uniform, the school, the coach and yourself, big time. And if you have the confidence to believe all of that, it’s in your court, and it’s what they put out on that court that’s going to go up on that banner.”

It’s that kind of confidence that has the Bulls believing that this can be the year they get over the hump and into the postseason, which they fell one win short of last season after losing to Freedom in the district semifinals.

One of the major factors that could lift them to the title this time around is leadership from the program’s nine returning seniors, many of whom have grown through the program since they were freshmen and sophomores.

“We’ve gone so far and then the ups and downs and the disappointments, but they’ve taken those disappointments and they feed off of it,” Kantor said. “They’ve wanted (to win the title) from all the way back in June, when we started open courts and conditioning. They gave it through the summer, they gave it through camp … you name it, they gave it, and it’s now transpiring into practices. It’s nonstop.”

One of the benefits of bringing back that many seniors, according to Kantor, is the return of what she refers to as the “Big Three” — outside hitter Grace Olsen, setter Teddi Wright and libero Izah Deang.

Olsen, who was one of Pasco County’s leader in kills with 305 and added 252 digs, said it’s a huge advantage to return so many familiar faces, because it means the team’s chemistry will still be on the mark.

“I’ve gotten to know these girls over the past three, four years and even playing with them (during practice), I’ve noticed that we mesh as a team, we play well and no one gets mad at each other,” Olsen said. “Everything is always moving forward. We never take any steps back.”

Deang, who is referred to by her nickname, “The Beast,” led all Bulls with 337 digs and has anchored her squad’s back row as a quick defender. A family atmosphere surrounds the team both on and off the court, she said.

“We’ve all really grown together,” Deang said. “We really want to see us succeed as a team, and it’s a very big advantage because most teams don’t have as much family-wise as we do or have a very close knit group.”

If Wiregrass Ranch is able to win its first Class 7A-District 8 championship this season, the route to it won’t be easy.

Aside from Freedom, the Bulls will also have to defeat newcomer Sickles — winner of three straight district titles — and Steinbrenner, which has won its district each year since the school opened in 2009 and is a perfect 22-0 all-time in district matches, dropping just one set in four years.

Wright, who had a team-high 79 assists last season, said it will take a lot more work to get past those teams, but it’s nothing they can’t handle.

“It’s going to take a lot of hard work from us,” Wright said. “Once we step onto the court, we know it’s time to be serious. Yeah, we can have fun, but we also know when we go, we are all out, and we never give up and we always push each other to the max.”

Added Kantor: “They want that district title, they want that (Sunshine Athletic Conference) title and they can almost taste it. They’re not being cocky about it and they’re not overconfident, but it’s a goal they want and it’s a goal that they really want to reach their senior year.”

Wiregrass Ranch opens its season on the road against Fivay on Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Steinbrenner aims higher than fifth straight district title

August 21, 2013 By Steve Mistretta

By Jeff Odom

Capturing four district crowns in as many years and coming off the best season in program history, the Steinbrenner High School volleyball team has been nothing short of dominant since the school was opened in 2009.

The Warriors made their first trip to the Class 7A region finals last year before falling to eventual state champion Venice in three straight sets. And while another district championship would be special, the players want more this time around, said second-year coach Laura Stegenga. Like winning a state title.

Steinbrenner outside hitter Rachel Matheson helped lead the Warriors to the Class 7A region finals last season with a team-high 257 kills. (File photo)

“I have the athletes; we’ve just got to put the work in,” said Stegenga, who took over the team for Jennifer Graham in May 2012. “The biggest thing I want my players to focus on is not just going for championships, but practice and what happens there. That’s how you achieve those kind of goals, and I think it’s a goal that we can achieve if we work hard.”

That road to states may be a little tougher for Steinbrenner this season because of the addition of one extra game against each district opponent and Sickles entering Class 7A-District 8.

The Gryphons are coming off three straight championship campaigns of their own in which they most recently defeated Strawberry Crest to win Class 6A-District 11 last year.

Adding Sickles into the mix of league opponents will make competition more interesting, Stegenga said, but she insists it’s nothing the team can’t handle.

“I know (my seniors) are really driven, and I know that they’re extremely good leaders,” she said. “It’s really neat to have them a part of it and also setting the tone for the younger ones.”

Any competition that challenges the team will only make them better, Stegenga said, even if it results in a loss.

“It’s OK in my eyes,” she said. “By adding Sickles, I think it’s a positive thing for us, because it’s just more competition.”

Another potential concern the Warriors face this season is replacing the leadership of the team’s three graduated seniors. They include libero Natalia Campos and starting outside hitter Madison Seuzeneau.

Seuzeneau, who now plays at Spring Hill College in Alabama, was second on the team in kills last season with 255, second in aces with 40, and third in blocks with 14, based on stats entered by coaches to MaxPreps.com.

Campos, now at Valdosta State University in Georgia, had a team-high 377 digs to go along with 39 aces and 15 assists.

Filling the void left behind by their departure are senior outside hitter Rachel Matheson (257 kills, 169 digs, 30 aces and 11 blocks), setter Casey McLean (199 assists, 158 digs and 66 aces) and opposite hitter Maddy Powell (seven kills).

The opportunity to step into a leadership position is something the trio relishes, Stegenga said.

“They’ve definitely made their comments about their seniority over things,” she said, with a laugh. “They’re anxious, excited, and every emotion that they’re feeling is probably very positive for our program. They don’t want anything to change, even though we lose players every year. They don’t want what has been happening the past few years to change, so I feel like they’re willing and ready, and they have the desire to go in and take those roles, all three of them.”

Steinbrenner hosts Armwood to open the regular season on Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Another week, another college for Suttles

August 21, 2013 By Steve Mistretta

By Jeff Odom

He may have never stepped foot on a college gridiron, but former Gaither High School defensive end Ernest Suttles is set to join his third college team since graduating in May.

Ernest Suttles, a former defensive end standout at Gaither High School, has finally settled on Memphis as his college home after being dismissed from the University of Nebraska earlier this year. (File photo)

After he was dismissed from the University of Nebraska following an off-campus incident, Suttles thought he had found a new home in Coral Gables at Miami last week. But, the Hurricanes denied his transfer request, which left the 2012 All-Laker/All-Lutz News Defensive Player of the Year without a team again.

But not for long.

Memphis has accepted Suttles’ transfer request, and he officially joined the Tigers, which compete in the American Athletic Conference.

“He was involved in an unfortunate situation,” Memphis coach Justin Fuente told the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper on Aug. 14. “But we got letters of recommendation from an associate athletic director at Nebraska, from his high school principal, his high school football coach, a high school teacher, and we talked to two assistant coaches at Nebraska. They all had nothing but unbelievable things to say about him. They said he was a really good kid who made a mistake and was in a bad situation.”

Suttles joined Memphis for practice on Aug. 11, but will still have to sit out one year due to NCAA transfer rules, according to the Commercial Appeal. He will have four years of eligibility starting in 2014.

Memphis started last season 1-8, but rebounded with three straight wins to finish with an overall record of 4-8.

Can Anclote be stopped in Class 5A-District 7?

August 14, 2013 By Jeff Odom

As the 2013 high school football season fast approaches, The Laker/Lutz News sports staff is previewing the new districts marked up by the Florida High School Athletic Association.

Our fourth installment in the series takes a look at Class 5A-District 7.

For past editions, go to LakerLutzNews.com.

Meet the teams
Anclote (6-5, 5-2 in 5A-6)
Gulf (0-10, 0-7 in 5A-6)
Hudson (3-7, 3-4 in 5A-6)
Ridgewood (1-9, 1-6 in 5A-6)
River Ridge (3-7, 1-6 in 6A-6)
Wesley Chapel (3-7, 2-5 in 5A-6)

ANCLOTE’S TITLE TO LOSE
The Anclote Sharks made the playoffs last season as a district runner-up behind region semifinalist Pasco, and are the only team in 5A-7 that had a winning record last season.

Anclote’s Willie Barrett nearly eclipsed the 2,000-yard rushing mark last season. If he does it again, the Sharks will be hoisting the championship trophy at season’s end. (File photo)

And the bad news for fellow opponents — all signs point to coach Matt Wicks’ team keeping its foot on the gas pedal.

Though they lost a few key offensive linemen, the Sharks return one of the top running backs in the North Suncoast in senior Willie Barrett.

Barrett rushed for 1,901 yards on 20 carries last season, and finished with 22 total touchdowns. He was also invited to compete in the Under Armour All-America underclassmen combine, which was at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg in January, and featured some of the best players in the country.

If Anclote can keep running the ball with Barrett and find a good replacement for quarterback John Forgione — who graduated in May after passing for 906 yards with 15 touchdowns his senior season — the Sharks will be very hard to knock off, and could cruise to their first district championship in program history.

KANTOR TURNS AROUND HUDSON
Former Gaither coach Mark Kantor came to Hudson without any real expectations other than to win a couple games here and there.

But after his first season, which saw the Cobras improve from an 0-10 record in 2011 to 3-7 last year, Kantor might just sneak Hudson into the playoffs in his second year.

The Cobras return a host of playmakers, including running back Noah Siegrist, who rushed for 656 yards and four touchdowns during his junior season. Under an experienced leader like Kantor, Siegrist could thrive in 2013.

Another big key for Hudson this season will be the development of quarterback Joey Caruso. As a sophomore, Caruso appeared in six games for the Cobras last season and passed for 266 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Though those are not Joe Montana-like numbers, Caruso will continue to get better, especially with one year under his belt in Kantor’s system.

WILDCATS GET STRONGER
With interest back in its program, Wesley Chapel has high hopes for the future.

The Wildcats struggled to draw players into its program under Ben Alford last season, and it showed as only 26 players were on the spring roster in 2012.

But optimism is shining bright this season under first-year coach Tico Hernandez, who took over for Alford after he left Wesley Chapel to take a director job in Iowa. And that could be a major impact for the young Wildcats.

Hernandez has instilled a new motto for his players — Building Men for Others — and that doesn’t just ring true in the community, but on the field, too.

Wesley Chapel lost 12 seniors to graduation after last season, but returns a host of leaders, including quarterback Ty Tanner, who passed for 445 yards with four touchdowns during his sophomore campaign.

Still, even with a new culture, there are bound to be some bumps in the road.

Question marks swirl around the Wildcats’ offense, which loses leading-rusher Daquan Caesear (671 yards on 125 carries) and top-receiver Jordan Primus (222 yards on 18 receptions). On defense, Wesley Chapel returns Nalu Fraticelli (108 total tackles) and Mark LaBarbera (67 total tackles), but loses Kudiel Gomez, who had 57 total tackles, including five for losses.

It won’t be easy going up against the likes of Anclote and nondistrict opponents in Pasco and Sunlake. But Wesley Chapel has enough quality players to get close to a playoff spot this season.

KEEP AN EYE ON …

Willie Barrett, running back, Anclote
Barrett represents the Sharks’ biggest bite out of the backfield. The senior has one offer on the table from South Alabama, but expect Division I programs to line up at the door for his services if he is able to repeat or better his near-2,000-yard season in 2012.

Marcus Hayne, wide receiver, Wesley Chapel
Hayne has been one of the best players for the Wildcats’ athletic program, but on the hardwood, not the gridiron. The 6-foot-7 senior is giving football a try after helping lead the Wesley Chapel boys basketball team to its first district title in seven years. With that kind of experience, he will be an appreciated member of the locker room and possibly even an under-the-radar playmaker that will give Tanner a nice target down the field.

CAN’T MISS MATCH-UP
Wiregrass Ranch at Wesley Chapel, Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Yes, it’s a nondistrict game. Yes, Wiregrass Ranch has never defeated its cross-town foe in the regular season. And, yes, this could be one of the dark horse picks for the best game in Pasco County this year.

‘Nuff said?

This game won’t have implications for the district championship, but a reloaded, hungry to win Wiregrass against a scrappy Wesley Chapel bunch will make for some big fireworks.

And if the spring meeting between these two teams in early June was any indication of what’s to come in November, you better buckle your seatbelts. It’s going to be a dogfight.

Projections
1. Anclote
2. Hudson
3. River Ridge
4. Wesley Chapel
5. Gulf
6. Ridgewood