The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local Sports

Cypress Creek cheer team wins national title

By

The Cypress Creek cheer team won the America’s Cheerleading Cup Championships at Universal Studios Orlando on Feb. 11.

The all-girls team faced off against 20 schools, winning the title after three days of competition.

The team is both a sideline and a competitive program, meaning they started in the summer and just completed their long season. It was Jennifer Catalanotto’s first year as head coach.

(Courtesy of Jennifer Catalanotto)

“It takes a lot of dedication with these kids. They have to be really committed, and this year they really bought into the vision — that we’re in this first season together — and they really dug deep and worked hard all year and it paid off,” Catalanotto said in an interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

“Being a new school, it’s been really awesome to watch it evolve,” she said.

The championship is sponsored by Nfinity, an athletics apparel brand, and invites schools from across the country.

Following the first two days of competition, judges combined the scores of the 20 competitors, and the eight leading teams advanced to the final round. The slates were then wiped clean and the remaining teams battled it out one more time to determine the winner.

The Cypress Creek champions showed off elite skills — full ups, switch ups, hand-in-hands, tumbling passes — executed with high-level precision and difficulty.

As winners, the Cypress Creek girls received rings and medals, and the team’s name will be engraved on the competition’s traveling trophy — a massive sterling silver cup that will be arriving for a week starting April 1. A celebration banquet is planned for when the trophy comes to town.

The championship win tops off a record season, with the team placing in the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) regional and state finals, and winning Best of Pasco in January, making it their most successful run since the inception of the program.

“They’ve had an incredible season,” said Catalanotto.

Published March 06, 2024

Little League opens with fanfare on Feb. 24

By

The Land O’ Lakes Little League season kicked off on Feb. 24 with an Opening Day Ceremony.

The day was filled with family friendly activities, including raffles, a DJ, local vendors, a bounce house, concessions and a visit from DJ Kitty, the Tampa Bay Rays’ mascot.

The National Anthem was played by the Land O’ Lakes High Marching Gators, and a ceremonial first pitch for baseball and softball were thrown, officially starting the spring season.

Land O’ Lakes Little League offers baseball and softball for children ages 4 to 16, and volunteer opportunities for teens and adults. Visit www.lollittleleague.org for more information.

Tampa Bay Rays’ DJ Kitty shares the spotlight with Ben Aguillera, Little League umpire, on Opening Day. (Courtesy of Monica Woods/Land O’ Lakes Little League)
Land O’ Lakes Little League Minor D team the Chameleons enjoy the Opening Day Ceremony.
Members of the Land O’ Lakes Marching Gators took part in the Little League Opening Day.

 

 

What foot and ankle issues warrant a doctor’s visit?

By

Most people have a foot or ankle problem at one time or another. So how do you know when to seek help?

Many symptoms — even those you can tolerate — require the professional attention of a foot and ankle surgeon to keep the underlying condition from worsening. According to Danielle Butto, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and a Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), “It’s important to remember that foot health is an important part of your overall health. You need to take care of your feet, which includes going to the doctor when you have pain, sustain an injury or develop a condition needing professional evaluation and treatment.”

(c) natalie_board/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Here are five examples of when you should make an appointment with your foot and ankle surgeon:

  • When you have diabetes: Living with diabetes means being more prone to a variety of conditions that affect the feet, including foot sores and ulcers. At the same time, diabetic nerve damage makes it harder to detect when there’s a problem. Regular visits to a foot and ankle surgeon should be part of your holistic diabetes treatment plan. The doctor can screen for the loss of protective sensations in the feet, as well as diagnose and treat any structural issues leading to ulcers and wounds. Swelling, temperature and color changes in the feet, and calluses, are all telltale signs an ulcer may be around the corner and warrant a trip to a foot and ankle surgeon.
  • When children experience pain: When it comes to pediatric foot problems, early intervention is key to long-term successful treatment. As a parent, you may find distinguishing between growing pains and injuries or deformities difficult. But foot and ankle surgeons stress that pain isn’t normal, and if it lasts more than a few days or is severe enough to limit your child’s walking, it should be evaluated. Foot problems commonly experienced by children include flat feet, ingrown toenails, calcaneal apophysitis and plantar warts.
  • When you’re at risk for falling: Falls have become the leading cause of injury deaths among Americans 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the reasons falls occur are numerous, painful foot conditions are a contributing factor, as they make it difficult to maintain balance and coordination. Fortunately, many such conditions are treatable. See a foot and ankle surgeon to alleviate pain and reduce your risk of a life-changing fall.
  • When you can benefit from medical advances: A loss of cartilage once meant a loss of functionality. Today, joint reconstruction surgery with cartilage regeneration offers real hope for long-term functionality, nurturing the body’s own ability to heal itself — with a little boost from technology and a knowledgeable surgeon. Likewise, new surgical techniques for ankle arthritis, including arthroscopic ankle surgery, total ankle joint replacements and bone or cartilage replacement, are helping people stay active. Finally, platelet-rich plasma therapy can promote the healing of bones, cartilage, blood vessels, tendons and tissue for many patients, and is associated with easier recovery than traditional treatments. If you suffer from a foot and ankle ailment, ask your health care provider about game-changing medical advances.
    • When pain is sidelining you: It’s important for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to rest and recover rather than push through foot and ankle pain caused by an overuse injury. If the pain doesn’t improve in three to seven days, however, it’s time to see a foot and ankle surgeon for evaluation and treatment.

With the highest level of education, training and board certification, foot and ankle surgeons are the leaders in surgical and nonsurgical foot and ankle care.

For more information, or to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

-StatePoint

Published March 06, 2024

Tips to Support Your Metabolic Health

By

Good metabolic health is the backbone of great overall health. Unfortunately, many Americans misunderstand what metabolic health is and are not aware of its importance.

A recent poll from Metavo/Harris Poll Study reveals that nearly three in four North Americans have experienced at least one issue related to metabolic health in the past year, while only 52% have heard, read or seen information on metabolic health issues.

What’s more, only 30% of North Americans know that metabolic health is not the same as gut health, and many falsely believe that metabolic issues mostly occur in those who are overweight.

(c) Sanja Radin / iStock via Getty Images Plus

“This knowledge gap plays a factor in why many health issues related to metabolic health, such as brain fog, food cravings and energy slumps, often go unaddressed,” says Dr. Paul Spagnuolo, associate professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Guelph, whose research includes finding new ways for people to proactively support their metabolic health.

Issues related to metabolic health can take a toll on your mental wellbeing, your ability to perform your job, and even your social life and personal relationships, making it critical to nip them in the bud. To improve your metabolic health and feel your best, consider these tips:

  • Get active. Whether you’re hitting up the gym for a weight training session or simply going for a longer walk during your day, daily physical activity is recommended to support your metabolic health. Find activities, daily movement and workouts you enjoy and stick with them.
  • Prioritize proper sleep. Maintaining proper sleeping habits can help to keep your insulin and hormone levels balanced.
  • Fuel often. Fueling more frequently can boost your metabolism. Being sure to eat smaller portions at regular, consistent times every day and drinking plenty of water can also help improve metabolic health. Set alerts on your phone, or even use a hydration app, to help you remember to drink up.
  • Explore supplements. Consider taking a daily supplement designed to support metabolic health and activate metabolism naturally, like Metavo. Featuring the proprietary avocado compound Avocatin B, also known as AvoB, Metavo Advanced Glucose Metabolism Support activates your metabolism naturally at the cellular level.

“Having a flexible metabolism at the cellular level enables the body to properly metabolize fats, proteins and carbs to help improve insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and energy,” says Dr. Spagnuolo, whose research led to the development of Metavo.

The brand also carries Metavo Advanced Weight Support, a supplement featuring clinically proven ingredients that help burn fat, support weight loss, and provide increased energy, as well as Metavo Advanced Weight Support Meal Replacement Powders, which are designed to be the perfect “metabolic” meal, with 20 grams of complete protein and whole food vitamins and minerals. These supplements can complement GLP-1, or other medications that treat obesity and diabetes. Plus, there is Metavo Glucose Metabolism Support with Berberine, which targets metabolic inflexibility to increase insulin sensitivity, support healthy glucose metabolism, cardiovascular support and more. To learn more, visit www.metavo.com.

When it comes to metabolic health, consistency is key. Make physical activity, healthy eating, proper sleep and the right supplements a regular part of your routine.

-StatePoint

Published February 28, 2024

Saint Leo University inducts new Hall of Fame athletes

By

Saint Leo University Athletics has announced its 2024 Hall of Fame inductees and plans to celebrate their athletic accomplishments at a ceremony that kicks off the university’s Alumni Weekend at the end of the month.

The Hall of Fame inductees for 2024 are Arielle Kabangu, Colett Rampf and Terlynn “Chanita” Olds, according to a Saint Leo University news release.

The Saint Leo University athletics department recently announced a celebration honoring members of its 2024 Hall of Fame, and some inductees from the 2020 class, as well.

The event also includes honoring some inductees from the Class of 2020 in person — who were not previously able to be part of a celebration because of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Those inductees are Hannah Beard, Marcus Ruh, Matt Obermeyer and Jaclyn Mailoto, according to the release.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set for the evening of Feb. 29, at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center, on the university’s campus at 33701 County Road 52, in St. Leo.

The Hall of Fame was organized by the Saint Leo Alumni Association and Athletic Department in 1986-1987, to honor former students, coaches and administrators who excelled in Saint Leo athletics in the prep school, junior college or senior college. 

According to the Hall of Fame’s mission statement, its purpose is “to perpetuate the memory of those persons who have brought distinction, honor and excellence to Saint Leo athletics, and familiarize the entire campus community and alumni with the university’s rich athletic history.”

Marcal Lazenby, director of Athletics, Recreation & Wellness, expressed the university’s pride in honoring these recipients.

“This is an extraordinary group of individuals who we are proud to officially induct into the Saint Leo Hall of Fame,” Lazenby said, in the release. “We have inductees who are at the top in the record books, and others who helped propel their teams to NCAA postseason play. These two classes not only excelled during competition, but in the classroom too, as evidenced by the diversity of the recognition they received during their careers for the Green and Gold.”

Lazenby said the university also is pleased to be able to celebrate the achievements of Beard, Mailoto, Obermeyer and Ruh, during the in-person ceremony, since the university was unable to do that in 2020.

Here’s a closer look at the athletes being honored:

2024 Hall of Fame inductees:

Arielle Kabangu, of the class of 2017, left an indelible mark on Saint Leo’s women’s soccer. She finished her playing career at Saint Leo as the all-time leader in goals (65), points (151), shots (305) and multiple-goal games (18). (Courtesy of Saint Leo Athletics Department)

Arielle Kabangu, Class of 2017, women’s soccer
Arielle Kabangu’s Hall of Fame-worthy career with the Saint Leo women’s soccer team stands as a testament to her unparalleled skill and dedication to the sport. She finished her playing career at Saint Leo as the all-time leader in goals (65), points (151), shots (305), and multiple-goal games (18). She set single-season records for multiple-goal games (seven in 2013) and shots (85 in 2016), showcasing her consistent excellence.

By the end of her career, she was in the top six of all seven offensive categories.

She earned All-American honors three times (2013, 2014, 2016) and secured two Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Player of the Year titles (2013, 2016). She also was the SSC Freshman of the Year in 2013. In addition to her exceptional achievements, she later returned to the Saint Leo bench as an assistant coach in 2021.

Colett Rampf, of the class of 2018, displayed her brilliance across both cross-country and track. She achieved All-American status three times in each discipline.

Colett Rampf Class of 2018, women’s cross-country/track
Colett Rampf’s Hall of Fame career as a former Saint Leo women’s cross-country and track student-athlete demonstrates a remarkable journey of athletic excellence and academic achievement. A six-time All-American, Rampf’s brilliance shone across both cross-country and track, earning her the prestigious honor three times in each discipline. Her dedication to both athletic and academic pursuits resulted in her twice achieving the distinction of Academic All-American. She was the only athlete in Sunshine State Conference (SSC) history who achieved SSC Runner of the Year for four consecutive years. During her senior year, she clinched victory in every race leading up to the National Championship, where she finished eighth. Rampf’s South Region championship win in 2016, coupled with a 14th-place finish at the NCAA Championships, showcased her national prowess. She also achieved a notable third-place finish at the Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 2018 in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and qualified for the Outdoor Championship in the 5,000-meter.

Terlynn ‘Chanita’ Olds, of the class of 1998, was a standout forward on the women’s basketball team. She later returned to be the team’s head coach.

Terlynn ‘Chanita’ Olds Class of 1998, women’s basketball
Terlynn “Chanita” Olds was a standout forward on the women’s basketball team and later came back to Saint Leo where she was the head coach from 2005 to 2011. She represented the Green and Gold with integrity and honor on and off the court and represented the core values that Saint Leo expects out of its very best. As a player, Olds stepped up in times of adversity, including when the team was struggling to fill a roster. Many nights she carried the load, playing the entire game as a post player. She displayed a high degree of desire and competitiveness. Olds served as a team captain for Saint Leo. During her playing career, she led the team to its first winning record in program history. She averaged 35 minutes per game, 14.7 points per game, 7.6 rebounds per game and shot 55% from the field. She ranked fourth in the SSC in scoring and was named All-SSC first team as well as earning conference player of the week honors. After she graduated, she broke the gender barrier by becoming an assistant coach for the Saint Leo men’s basketball team for the 1998-1999 season. Following stops at Spring Hill College, Florida A&M University, Flagler College and Palm Beach State College, Olds returned to Saint Leo in 2005. She took over a Saint Leo women’s basketball program that had won three total games in its previous three seasons and laid the foundation for the program you see today that is competing for conference titles and berths in the NCAA tournament.

She currently is vice president for athletics and recreation at LaGrange College.

Hall of Fame Class of 2020

Hannah Beard, of the class of 2009, is one of the most decorated women’s soccer-student athletes in Saint Leo University’s history. She set numerous records at Saint Leo and was named All-Sunshine State Conference four times.

Hannah Beard
Hannah Beard, in the class of 2009, is one of Saint Leo’s most decorated women’s soccer student-athletes. She was a four-time All-Sunshine State Conference selection and set numerous program records. She still holds two career marks, one single season record and three single-game highs. She is the all-time leader in assists (31) and games played (76) while holding the single-season record for assists with 12 in 2008. Beard was a two-time NSCAA Scholar All-American, three-time NSCAA All-Region honoree and was named an NSCAA All-American as a junior.

She was honored as the SSC Offensive Player of the Year as a junior and was named to a pair of SSC All-Tournament teams. As a junior she helped lead Saint Leo to its first SSC Tournament Championship in program history. She ended her time at Saint Leo with 76 career games played, 46 goals, 31 assists and 123 total points. Following her time with the Lions, Beard went on to play professionally in both the United States and Australia.

Jaclyn Mailoto, class of 2014, ran the Saint Leo women’s volleyball offense as a setter, earning first-team All-Sunshine State honors in 2013, following an All-Freshman team selection in 2010.
Her 3,222 career assists currently is the second-highest in the Saint Leo career record book.

Jaclyn Mailoto.
Jaclyn Mailoto, of the class of 2014, enters the Saint Leo Athletics Hall of Fame following a four-year career in volleyball. She was known for her leadership, running the team’s offense as a setter. She earned First Team All-Sunshine State honors in 2013 following an All-Freshman Team selection in 2010. As a senior, she was named to the AVCA All-South Region First Team as well as Honorable Mention All-America. She led the competitive SSC in both assists (1,366) and assists per set (11.78); the 11.78 assists per set still holds the single-season mark at Saint Leo. Her 3,222 career assists currently rank second in the Saint Leo career record book while her 8.57 assists per set come in at fourth. Mailoto went on to coach club volleyball for 850 Elite Volleyball Academy in Valparaiso.

Matt Obermeyer, of the class of 2014, spent four years as a member of the Saint Leo men’s lacrosse program and currently holds four records in the top 10, including 135 career goals, 2.5 goals per game, 158 career points and 2.93 points per game.

Matt Obermeyer
Matt Obermeyer, of the class of 2014, played four years for Saint Leo’s men’s lacrosse team. He was a dynamic goal scorer and currently holds four records in the top 10 including, 135 career goals (first), 2.5 goals per game (third), 158 career points (fourth), and 2.93 points per game (seventh). As a freshman, he made an instant impact charting 33 goals and five assists on the season. Those numbers eventually led to him being named the Deep South Freshman of the Year. The next three years the accolades continued to roll in. He earned First Team All-Conference honors from 2012-2014, was named Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-District in 2012 and 2013, achieved USILA Scholar All-American honors in 2014, and topping the charts would be the Deep South Player of the Year award in 2013. Obermeyer graduated from Saint Leo in 2014 with a major in marketing, and is currently the Director of Operations at SpotX, a global video advertising platform.

Marcus Ruh, class of 2013, played two seasons on Saint Leo’s men’s basketball team and during that time scored 859 points, for an average of 14.8 points per game. He also excelled in the classroom and was named the NCAA Division II Conference Commissioners Association Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2013.

Marcus Ruh
Marcus Ruh, of the class of  2013, played basketball at Saint Leo for two seasons, and with that time he scored 859 points, an impressive 14.8 points per game. He excelled in the classroom, too, receiving the NCAA Division II Conference Commissioners Association Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2013. He also was the CoSIDA Capital One Men’s Basketball Academic All-American of the Year. He earned First Team All-Region honors for his work on the court and was the South Region Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He earned Third Team All-American honors from the D2Bulletin and was the 2012-13 SSC Player of the Year. He also earned the SSC Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year honor while earning the Saint Leo Male Athlete and Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors. During his junior campaign he was named a First Team All-SSC selection and to the 2011-12 All-SSC Newcomer Team. Following his time at Saint Leo he pursued a professional career in Australia spending one season with the Ringwood Hawks. Ruh also spent time as a coach with the Green Bay Storm on the AAU circuit before moving into his current role as a sales representative for Cintas.

Join the celebration: Festivities on Feb. 29 will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m., for the inductees, their families and guests. That will be followed by a dinner beginning at 7 p.m. Registration is required, at Your.SaintLeo.edu/events/alumni-weekend/registration.

Published February 21, 2024

Colton ‘The Bolt’ Bettis wants to race his way into Nascar

By

For just about as long as he can remember, Colton “The Bolt” Bettis has been racing toward a dream.

He wants to be a Nascar driver.

Colton ‘The Bolt’ Bettis stands near a display bearing photos of his racing activity, his name, nickname and number. (Courtesy of Amber Carreno)

This is not some fleeting fancy.

He’s been working for years to make it happen.

Colton has raced go-karts, super mini late models, sprint cars wing and non-wing, super late models and USAC midgets, and has traveled all over Florida and to Indiana, South Carolina and Georgia for competitions.

He was named the 2023 BG Southern Sprint Car Series Rookie of the Year, making him the youngest recipient of the award.

He already has two big wins under his belt, one at Auburndale Speedway on Jan. 27 and another at Showtime Speedway on Feb. 2.

Oh, and he’s just 14.

Colton ‘The Bolt’ Bettis is focused during a race at Showtime Speedway, in Pinellas Park.

When he’s not racing sprint cars, he’s an eighth-grader at Maniscalco K-8, in Lutz —  playing every sport offered by the school. He also enjoys fishing and sharing his knowledge of racing in talks given during Great American Teach-In events.

Racing, though, is his true love.

He said it’s hard to put into words how he feels, when he’s competing.

“Before I go on the racetrack, I get butterflies in my stomach. And then once the motor fires up, it’s just straight adrenaline. It’s time to go. It’s time to work,” Colton said.

His mom, Amber, said it’s natural to worry about the possibility of a crash.

But she added: “We don’t think negative like that. He knows the risks. He’s aware of the risk.”

Colton ‘The Bolt’ Bettis maneuvers through a curve during a race at Showtime Speedway, in Pinellas Park.

She went on: “I feel you’re never too young to chase your dreams. He has a talent, that I feel, is one in a million,” Amber said.

You might say that racing runs in Colton’s family.

Colton began racing go-karts when he was just 4, learning on a dirt track on the family’s property, under the tutelage of his grandfather, Tony Carreno, who was an accomplished driver in his day.

Amber, too, has spent much of her life around races, first, accompanying her dad, and now, cheering on Colton.

Colton ‘The Bolt’ Bettis wins the Dave Steele Winged Spring second feature at Showtime Speedway on Feb. 2.

Colton’s nickname, “The Bolt,” dates back to when he was a little kid — because whenever he was in the back of a race, he would bolt to the front.

He wears No. 61 because that was his grandfather’s number, and he wants to honor the man who has played such an instrumental role in his racing life.

He may be young, but Colton’s an experienced driver.

“He started racing when he was 4 and he’s never missed a weekend since,” Amber said.

And, at the racetrack, skill and experience are more important than age.

“I race against grown men, from their 20s and 30s, to 50s and 60s,” said Colton, whose success is evident in the massive collection of awards and trophies he’s acquired through the years.

Colton ‘The Bolt’ Bettis has amassed quite a collection of trophies and awards during his decade of racing. He began at age 4, racing go-karts.

If there’s anything that people can learn from Colton’s story, Amber said, it’s to encourage people to pursue their dreams, regardless of their age.

“If you continue to pursue (them) and let your talent speak for itself … doors can open for you,” Amber said.

Besides racing, Colton enjoys sharing his knowledge with others — which is why he especially enjoys giving talks at the Great American Teach-In.

Kids want to know how fast the cars go and how much it costs to be involved in racing.

He tells them on normal tracks, cars typically run at around 100 mph, while on bigger tracks, the speeds generally range from 140 mph to 150 mph.

Also, it typically costs about $3,000 to $5,000 a race — so even if he wins prize money, it may not be enough to cover the costs, he said.

That’s where sponsors come in, and in his case, he said his sponsor is his grandfather.

Besides being grateful for his grandfather’s generosity — financially and otherwise — Colton appreciates his race crew.

“They do it out of the kindness of their hearts,” Colton said. “They’ve done it since go-karts.”

Published February 14, 2024

Giving back — through kicks, blocks and other karate moves

By

When Keith Kirk was just on the verge of becoming a teenager, he went to see the movie, “Enter the Dragon,” starring Bruce Lee.

Little did he know that seeing that film would change his life.

“I grew up in rural Arkansas,” Kirk said. “When I saw that, I went, ‘I want to do that.’ I’d never seen a human move like that and this was long before they had special effects’ camera tricks, and things. It was just him — moving like electricity.”

It turns out Kirk wasn’t the only one inspired by Lee’s fluidity and strength.

Keith and Carla Kirk are senior instructors for Tampa Shotokan Karate, which meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway, in Odessa. (Courtesy of Keith Kirk)

His wife, Carla, also had seen “Enter the Dragon,” and she began studying martial arts during college.

The couple has practiced together for 44 years, and they have passed along their love for martial arts to their daughters.

Now, Keith, Carla and their daughters, Rachel and Liz, are volunteer instructors at a program they established a year ago at the Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway, in Odessa.

How their volunteer work began
Keith and Carla moved to Lutz a couple of years ago, from Memphis, following their daughters who had moved to the area from California.

Both Keith and Carla are retired. They owned a commercial property company and a financial services company. Carla provided management of the office bookkeeping and the tax work.

“One of the things that we wanted to do — part of our retirement — is give back to the community. The struggle you’ve got is, ‘How do you do that with the things that you know?’” Kirk said.

Then, they discovered a way.

“We went to vote, of all things, a couple of years ago, in November.

“And, our voting spot was the Keystone Recreation Center. It wasn’t open yet. They had only opened one room for the voting.

The center was closed during Covid and was being remodeled, and still didn’t have all of its permits, he explained.

While waiting to vote, Kirk chatted with the recreation center’s assistant director and found out more about the center’s mission and offerings.

That’s when he realized that he, his wife and their daughters would be perfect volunteers for the center.

“The nonprofit, community nature of the recreation center matched up to our nonprofit,” Kirk said, referring to their affiliation with Shotokan Karate of America (SKA).

When the recreation center reopened last February, the Kirks became volunteers running training sessions on two nights a week, through what is known as Tampa Shotokan. The club is affiliated with the nonprofit SKA established by Tsutomu Ohshima.

The Kirks receive no pay from the Keystone center and they don’t charge their students.

However, students must purchase a uniform — which costs around $50, depending on the student’s size.  Members also must pay an annual $100 fee, to support the nonprofit SKA.

Keith and Carla Kirk were seeking a way to give back to the community and found that the nonprofit nature of Keystone Recreation Center was a perfect fit for their desire to offer free karate training. The Kirks are affiliated with Shotokan Karate of America, a nonprofit organization, and their club at the recreation center is known as Tampa Shotokan.

Still, training sessions are free, and there’s no cost for testing, which happens twice a year.

The club currently has 15 members, ranging from a 10-year-old who is a complete novice, to a 60-plus-year-old, who has trained for 30 years.

The club meets on Mondays and Wednesdays. There’s beginner’s practice, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., for those with little to no experience. There’s a second session, on the same evenings, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., for those who know karate.

“We’re kind of what I think of as the original version of what you now see as a professional sport on television, MMA (mixed martial arts), because you have throws, you have sweeps, you have joint locks. You have kicks, punches, elbows, knees — all of that is part of what we teach,” Kirk said.

He went on: “What you’re teaching has some to do with the physical art, but it has mostly to do with trying to make a good human being.”

That’s an ongoing quest, he said.

“You could live 10 lifetimes and there would still be more for you to improve on your own individual character, and your own individual behavior — particularly when no one else is looking,” said Kirk, who will celebrate his 50th year in training this summer.

“When you’re practicing, you’re teaching people to become the very best version of themselves,” he said.

Karate welcomes all
“If you’re a small person and you want to play football, you can’t necessarily be as good as that guy that is 6-5 (6 foot, 5 inches) and 290 pounds.

“I can’t change that you’re 5-5 (5 foot, 5 inches)  and 140 pounds. You can’t change that about you,” he said.

But, he added: “Karate lets people practice and build their self-confidence, build their self-esteem.”

It also offers health benefits for people of all ages.

Plus, it helps people to develop composure — to keep an even keel, he said.

“I’ve taught for decades, and especially among the 12-, 13-, 14-year-old boys, those young teens, or tweens. You’ll find somebody that’s really shy and it will help build them a little more confidence. You’ll find, every so often, somebody who is a little bit of a bully, and it will humble them very quickly.”

It allows people of all ages to train in one group, he added.

“Each person is working on their individual practice. We’re training together, but your punch is your punch,” he said.

While the club meets just two nights a week, Kirk tells students, “For every one hour you practice in class with me, you should practice two hours outside of class.”

He noted it’s not hard to find enough space at home for training: “A 4-by-4 space is plenty enough space to practice karate.”

In essence, the club sessions include work on fundamentals, such as basic blocks, punches and kicks.

Students also practice a predetermined pattern of blocks, punches and kicks against imaginary multiple attackers.

Richie Malapira, left, and Keith Kirk work on kicks at a training session at the Keystone Recreation Center.

Plus, they practice with partners.

Students learn ancient forms, he added.

“They’re 1,000 years old. This was before widespread printing presses. It was before most people could read or write,” Kirk said.

In essence, there are a couple of basic rules, the instructor said.

“Rule No. 1 is don’t get hit,” he said.

He added: “When you hit, you’ve got to make sure you can hit the other guy.”

For those curious about whether karate is right for them, Kirk encourages them to check it out.

“I tell people, ‘Come and try.’ The only way you will ever know is to come and try. You can’t learn about this by watching it. Karate is taught from the soles of the feet, up,” Kirk said.

Learn more
To find out more about the free karate program at Keystone Recreation Center, reach out to Keith Kirk at 901-494-6418 or , or check the website, Tampa.ska.org.

Published February 07, 2024

Popularity of pickleball has players on the hunt for courts

By

As pickleball’s popularity expands, the search continues for permanent courts.

Pickleball grew in 2023 to 8.9 million players in the United States, according to the trade association, Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

In 2016, that figure stood at 2.5 million, according to a previous report in The Laker/Lutz News.

The pace of growth has quickened considerably in recent years.

Brandon Mackie is the co-founder of Pickleheads, a company that is essentially a search engine for pickleball courts around the country. It also offers videos to help people learn about pickleball, and it advertises events and products. (Courtesy of Pickleheads)

“It’s been the fastest-growing sport for three years running,” said Brandon Mackie, co-founder of Pickleheads, a company based in Scottsdale, Arizona, that specializes in keeping track of pickleball courts around the country.

“So, for any player that wants to find a court, find a game, or even other people to play with — that all happens on this website,” Mackie said, describing the site that launched in June of last year.

“I’ve been a big player myself, since early on in the pandemic. And, in a lot of ways, Pickleheads is something that I wished would have existed when I first started out because there just wasn’t a good way to find other people, find other games. Because of that, I would only play once every two weeks, because there was so much effort involved in finding games.

“I always thought if something like Pickleheads existed, I might play every day. That’s what we’re trying to solve for people,” Mackie added.

For people looking for a place to play, they’ll likely find something that may work for them on the site.

“There’s a huge mix of public, private, paid, free — and all of those are available on our platform.

“You have the full range of playing pickleball in an abandoned warehouse for free, versus doing a country club. All of those opportunities are on our site,” he said.

The list of potential places to play is extensive.

“Starting out, it was challenging. We hired a team to really go city by city and do a full audit of the country. As you can imagine, that took a long time. But once we had the initial data set going, we created a loop where users could submit their own court edits, or add new courts in the database, kind of how Wikipedia works. And that was really the best thing that we ever did.

Seffner resident Grant Goad makes a diving save shot playing pickleball at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, during a tournament hosted by Pickleball Fanatics, in October. (File)

“Now, we’re getting information at the ground level, from people going to the courts, and it just really got better and better. Now, it’s not perfect, but we think it’s the best database that’s out there,” he said.

The website lists places to play all over the country, including locations in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Mackie has a couple of theories regarding why pickleball is so popular.

“It’s really easy to learn and pick up the sport,” he said, noting that unlike golf or tennis, it doesn’t take months or years of practice to enjoy it.

There’s another big reason for pickleball’s popularity, he added.

“No. 2 would be the social nature of the sport.

Pickleball Fanatics co-founder Val Thomopalos goes over the match schedules during the second day of the tournament. She and her pickleball partner, Kathy McCausey, hosted the tournament. (File)

“A lot of times people play pickleball in an open-play format, where you’ve got 20, 30, 40, 50 people all going to courts, rotating time with partners. It’s just a great opportunity to meet people.

“So, I think for a lot of people, it’s a community more so than it’s a sport,” he said.

Pickleball is affordable
“You can find paddles on Amazon for as cheap as $20. I would recommend spending between $50 and $100 on your first paddle, to get something halfway decent,” Mackie said.

There are public facilities that are free to use and typically other players will have a spare ball you can borrow, he added.

“I think that’s a lot of the reason why the sport has grown — you just don’t need to spend a lot of money to give it a try,” Mackie said.

While there are many potential places to play — sometimes they require temporary lines to be laid down and temporary nets to be installed.

So, the effort continues to get more permanent facilities.

The Laker/Lutz News previously detailed a push by Picklehead Fanatics, led by Kathy McCausey and Val Thomopalos, to increase the number of pickleball courts in Central Pasco.

McCausey and Thomopalos are pickleball instructors who give lessons, run tournaments and coordinate impromptu meet-ups of pickleball enthusiasts in Central Pasco.

This provides a glimpse of what pickleball courts look like. Notice there is much less space used than tennis courts. (File)

They hosted an adult and youth tournament at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, with players coming from near and far to compete in different divisions and competitions.

About 120 players showed up — including 18 youth players.

McCausey and Thomopalos are looking to promote the sport and they are using proceeds from the tournament to benefit the rec complex — specifically to get public, permanent courts.

Besides the recreation complex, other possible locations are Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park and Wesley Chapel District Park. The pickleball partners also mentioned the county might want courts at Starkey Ranch District Park, as well.

About pickleball
A racket sport, pickleball incorporates elements from other sports, like tennis, badminton and Ping-Pong. It is reportedly the fastest-growing sport in the United States. It can be played essentially wherever there is a flat surface, but ideally, there’s a court with permanent lines and a permanent net. For complete rules and video demonstrations, visit Pickleheads.com.

For more information:
Visit PickleballFanatics.biz, or email . Or, visit Pickleheads.com.

Published January 31, 2024

Your local library – a rather novel place to look for recreation

By

When it comes to recreation, a trip to the branch library may not be the first thing that springs to your mind.

But that’s likely because you haven’t been to your local library lately.

Tracy Weaver, a master gardener volunteer with the Pasco County Cooperative Extension, shared her knowledge about bats, which she says, are often misunderstood. She delivered her talk in a meeting room at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. (File)

With some exploring, however, chances are you’ll find something to do that appeals to you.

Keep in mind, the pursuit that interests you might be at a branch across town, or perhaps even over the county line — but with just a little bit of research, you may discover whole new worlds of opportunity that you had no idea existed.

Maybe you want to learn to crochet or play chess. Or, perhaps you’d like to meet some new friends, while playing cards or board games.

It’s possible you enjoy discussing books, or listening to music, or shouting out “bingo” to win a small prize.

Many events presented by the libraries are free, but even those that aren’t typically aren’t very expensive.

As you are considering your options, be sure to keep in mind that libraries aren’t places just to do research or check out books. They’re also places where you can have some fun, and make new memories.

Here’s a look at some of the options that await you. This is just a small sampling. For an expanded look at your choices, check the Pasco County Libraries’ website at PascoLibraries.org, or the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, at HCPLC.org.

Readers attending a ‘Novels on Tap’ session enjoyed discussing the reading selection at Wicked Pour in Odessa during the monthly meetup. The book club, held at a local brewery and organized by the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, gave readers ages 21 and older a chance to get together and share their thoughts on the book, over a few adult beverages.

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, in Odessa
Feb. 1, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Bingo for adults. Players can win a variety of prizes at this free event.
Feb. 17, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Gary West: For the Love of Cash. Gary West performs the songs of Johnny Cash. Check with the library for ticketing information.
Feb. 25, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Pretty in Pink dance

March 20, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m: Lecture presented by Tampa Bay History Center about widely known blues and jazz artists, such as Tampa Red and Ray Charles, who began their rise to fame in Tampa Bay.
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center also has a studio where ceramics and arts and crafts can be done.
Call 727-815-7126.

Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes
Jan. 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Woodworking, open build: Intended for ages 18 and older. This allows the use of the library’s tools on an approved project, with volunteers and staff on hand to provide help.
Jan. 29, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Card games. Meet new people while playing cards.
Jan. 30, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Chess club. Play chess with other members, or learn how to play with help from volunteers and the library’s staff. This club is open to people of all ages and ability levels.
The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library also has a Foundry, which features a complete wood shop, sewing machines and a craft center.
Call 813-929-1214.

A sunflower blooms in the Discovery Gardens at the New River Branch Library.

New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel
Jan. 25, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: University of Florida/Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences presents “Controlling and Preventing Weeds in Your Lawn and Landscape.”
Feb. 3, noon to 2 p.m.: Ukulele Jam. Bring your ukulele and jam with the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society.
Feb. 13: Master gardeners present: Backyard Fruit. Learn about what kinds of fruit trees and other edibles grow in Pasco County.
The New River Library also has a community garden, offers gardening demonstrations and has a butterfly garden.
|Call 813-788-6375.

Patrons at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, enjoyed a free art exhibit, courtesy of a partnership between the library and the Zephyrhills Art Club. This painting, called Elephant’s Bath Time, is a 30-inch by 30-inch oil, by Sally Yoder.

Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City
Feb. 16. 2 p.m.: Afternoon cinema, “You Hurt My Feelings”
Feb. 27, 2 p.m.: Card and board games at the library
Feb. 29, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Dave Deluca: Remember Then. This event celebrates the radio hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Call 352-567-3576.

Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills
Jan. 26, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m: Thrifty crafters. This month crafters will be making a folded book cat. Registration is required.
Jan. 30, 11 a.m. to noon: Learn basic tai chi moves. Space is limited.
Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Ask a master gardener. Bring your plant and questions to this free, informational session.
Call 813-780-0064.

Other nearby options
Hillsborough County also has numerous public libraries. Three of those are in, or near, The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area.
They are: New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., in New Tampa; the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa; and the Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road, in Keystone.
Like the Pasco libraries, these Hillsborough facilities also offer an array of recreational options for library patrons.
Finally, the county library system in both Pasco and Hillsborough counties offer Discovery passes. Those passes provide free entry to a selection of regional museums and other attractions. To find out more, check the websites for each of the library systems.

Published January 24, 2024

Explore the great outdoors: Check out Hillsborough’s hiking spree

By

Maybe you’re an old pro at hiking trails, or perhaps a complete novice — wherever you fit on the spectrum, chances are you’ll find plenty of options to explore in the 2024 Hillsborough County Hiking Spree.

The spree, which runs through March 31, features trails at 22 locations throughout Hillsborough County. Some locations have more than one qualifying trail in the spree.

Lettuce Lake Conservation Park is a popular hiking trail included in the 2024 Hillsborough County Hiking Spree. Many trails are switched out each year in the spree, but Lettuce Lake Park, at 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa, is a regular. Besides hiking there, those visiting the park can check out its boardwalk, observation tower and a variety of wildlife. Seen here is a paved path, under ancient oaks, at the park. (File)

Trails are rated from easy to moderate to strenuous. Lengths range from less than a mile to more than 7 miles.

Parks officials recommend that novices first gain hiking experience at a neighborhood park, and then progress to more arduous paths at conservation parks and nature preserves.

The neighborhood parks and recreation centers are generally short, paved trails with water and facilities, unless otherwise noted. Additionally, most trails at neighborhood parks are ADA-accessible (Americans With Disabilities Act).

Conservation park trails provide more of a nature experience than your typical neighborhood park trail. Though some are paved, most are primitive trails that traverse a variety of natural habitats ranging from upland pine flatwoods to wetland swamps to bottomland forests. Most of the conservation parks have amenities, such as running water, restrooms, playgrounds and manicured pathways.

Nature preserve trails, meanwhile, take the nature experience up several notches — almost as if you’re briefly leaving civilization for a hike. On a nature preserve, development is kept to a minimum to protect natural areas and wildlife.

This photograph of an osprey in flight was captured by a bird enthusiast at Lettuce Lake Conservation Park.

Nature preserve trailheads have small, unpaved parking lots, a fence with a walk-through entrance, and a small kiosk with trail information. They do not have restrooms or running water. Moreover, trails are unpaved, longer with fewer trail markers and have rougher terrain.

Dogs are welcome on most trails, but must be on a leash.

The hiking extravaganza — which draws thousands of participants annually — began in 2016 to encourage people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through numerous parks and preserves.

Here’s how it works: Complete at least eight trails during this year’s spree and you will earn a patch, a medallion for a walking stick, or a bandana for a pet.

Participants can choose one hike that is not among the listed locations. They also can do the same trail twice — but not on the same day.

Hikers at Lettuce Lake Conservation Park can take advantage of many of the park’s features and amenities, including this boardwalk.

Hikers may go solo, explore new paths with a group, or go on a guided hike.

Many parks, preserves and trails are rotated in and out of the hiking spree each year, but a few locations are constants because they have so much to offer.

One of the regulars is Lettuce Lake Park — one of the county’s most popular parks, at 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.

More than half of Lettuce Lake Park is in the natural floodplain of the Hillsborough River and consists of hardwood swamp forest.

The park has a paved exercise trail and a 3,500-foot boardwalk with an observation tower that provides scenic views of the Hillsborough River. There’s also plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, from wading birds and songbirds, to even alligators.

Hillsborough’s Hiking Spree was modeled on successful programs elsewhere, most notably Summit Metro Parks’ community hiking event throughout Akron, Ohio.

The spree is timed to span fall and winter to take advantage of the cooler, drier weather, and to coincide with prime birdwatching times.

For more information and to register, visit HCFLGov.net/HikingSpree.

Parks and trails in the 2024 Hillsborough Hiking Spree:

Neighborhood Parks — short, paved trails with water facilities

  • Country Place Park, 15728 Country Lake Blvd., Tampa. Bluebird Fitness Trail: 0.6 miles
  • FishHawk Sports Complex, 16000 FishHawk Blvd., Lithia. Pandio Fitness Trail: 2.0 miles
  • Jackson Springs Community Center, 8620 Jackson Springs Road, Tampa. Conejo Fitness Trail: 0.5 miles
  • J.C. Handly Sports Complex, 3402 S. Kings Ave., Brandon. Vita Trail: 1.0 miles
  • Lakeview Village Park, 1530 Lakeview Village Drive, Mango. Duck Pond Fitness Trail: 0.5 miles
  • Miller Park & Life Center, 6105 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa. Oak Bluff Hiking Trail: 0.75 miles and/or All People’s Fitness Trail: 0.42 miles
  • Wortham Park, 12108 Rhodine Road, Riverview. Bluestem Hiking Trail: 1.4 miles

Conservation Parks — mid-range, well-maintained paths and trails

  • Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, 100 Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, Plant City. Picnic Trail and River’s Edge Extension: 2.3 miles
  • Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa. Hammock Run and Boardwalk: 2.0 miles (no dogs on boardwalk)
  • Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City. Singing Bluffs: 1 mile
  • Flatwoods Conservation Park, 14302 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa. Big Loop in the Woods; Nature Trail Extension (out and back): 7.05 miles
  • Lake Conservation Park, 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz. Lake Vista Trail: 1.5 miles
  • Northwest Equestrian Park,10711 S. Mobley Road, Odessa. Triple Crown Trail: 4.5 miles, or Pony Express: 2.16 miles

Nature Preserves — no facilities, subject to daily conditions

  • Bell Creek Nature Preserve, 10940 McMullen Road, Riverview. Second Chance Trail: 4.0 miles
  • Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve, 2469 Patrinostro Road, Plant City. Savannah Trail: 6.4 miles
  • Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve, 18102 Ramblewood Road, Odessa. Headwaters Heritage Trail: 4.5 miles
  • Lake Dan Nature Preserve, 19116 Huckavelle Road, Odessa. Pasture to Prairie Trail: 2.0 miles
  • Triple Creek/Balm Boyette, 13305 Balm Boyette Road, Riverview. Restoration Ramble: 2.6 miles
  • Upper Little Manatee-579, 2608 South County Road 579, Wimauma. Pennyroyal Trail: 1.5 miles and/or Twin Pine Trail: 3.5 miles

Florida State Parks

  • Alafia River State Park, 143626 S. County Road 39, Lithia. Old Agrico Hiking Trail: 0.8 mile
  • Bullfrog Creek Wildlife and Environmental Area, 14601 U.S. 301, Wimauma. Tortoise Trek: 4.2 miles
  • Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 U.S. 301 N., Thonotosassa. Barnyard Trail: 1.1 miles

Come prepared
When hiking, remember to bring these items:

  • Correct trail map for your destination
  • A compass or GPS
  • Plenty of drinking water
  • Appropriate shoes
  • Sun protection

Additional details

  • Participants can hike on their own, with a group or on a guided park staff hike
  • Some sites have entrance and parking fees (check ahead)
  • You must register for the hiking spree to receive a prize
  • For more information and to register, visit HCFLGov.net/HikingSpree.

Published January 17, 2024