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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Wesley Chapel/New Tampa Sports

Wildcats on course for a great season

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If there’s one thing the Wildcats are trying to avoid, it’s a sophomore slump.

With four of the team’s top five golfers being sophomores, it would be beneficial to the whole team for them to all play well and reach for their lofty goals.

They want to lower their scores, grab some medals and, of course, earn a berth in the Class 2A state tournament in November in Howey-in-the-Hills.

Sophomore Tien Do transferred to the Wildcats from New York and will immediately add to the team’s young core of players, most of whom are sophomores. (Mike Camunas)

“We are a young, up-and-coming team, and they’re looking great,” coach Josh Raskopf said. “The top five are four sophomores and one senior, so we’re very young, which isn’t bad at all, since all five can shoot in the 70s. 

“And the top five can change, too,” he added. “Which, as they say, is a good problem to have, since if one guy is having a bad day, the others can pick him up. “What we’re hoping for is good days from each guy and, hopefully, a trip to states,” he said.

Leading the pack of Wildcats, for now, is Tien Do, a transfer from New York. However, the team returns No. 2, Jacob Doonan, who shot an 83 at districts and an 87 at regionals in 2022.

Then, rounding out the sophomores are Carter Boynton and Camden Battey. And then there’s the lone senior of the bunch: Michael Hale, who shot a field-best 75 at the 2A-9 district tournament and a 78 at the regional tournament, narrowly missing a trip to states.

“Even more than how they play on the course, it’s about how great young men they are,” Raskopf said. “We had another young man from another team and he was the only guy on his team — just picked up clubs a couple days prior to the match and wanted to play.

“We’ve all been there, starting golf, and it’s great to see such a great group of guys, but then they can also play well, so that seems like a bonus.”

Wesley Chapel boys golfers, sophomore Jacob Doonan, left, and sophomore Tien Do lead a young Wildcats squad that has aspirations for a deep postseason run in Class 2A this season.

Indeed, it’s a tight team that very much welcomed Do into the fold. But with the other three sophomores, they have been classmates and junior golf partners for years.

“I’ve known and played with these guys on our team since, I don’t know, second or third grade,” Doonan said. “It helps that we know each other’s strengths, but that we can also rely on one another and it helps, or we help each other, on the course and range. I think we’re all pretty tight.”

Do agrees.

“All of us, out of the five, just four of us are sophomores, but we’re always at the same club — Hunter’s Green — practicing and always pushing each other,” he said. “We’re putting in the work in each match, each practice, trying to build a solid foundation off the group of guys we have, who are really good, in my opinion.

“It’s definitely a good problem to have where the top five guys can match each other, and we rely a lot on team chemistry. Hopefully we make it to states and win.”

Sophomore Jacob Doonan looks to improve on his 2022 season, in which he shot an 83 at districts and an 87 at regionals.

The Wildcats, ranked 22nd in Class 2A, will have their work cut out for them, for sure. Do, for example, is learning firsthand how many great golfers are just in Wesley Chapel.

“I’ve definitely seen that since coming here,” he added. “I’ve played with a lot of great players, but there are plenty here (in Wesley Chapel).”

For starters, nearby rival Cypress Creek is in the same district and coming off back-to-back state tournament appearances, finishing 13th in 2022 and sixth in 2021. In fact, the Wildcats already have a loss this season to the Coyotes, being edged by just two strokes.

“It’s going to take hard effort and not giving up,” Doonan said. “It’ll be a lot of practice and effort, but that’s every team, and I think we’re willing to put that in so we can all go further than we’ve been before.

“We know it’s a tough district, but we’ll have our chances, I think.”

At the end of the day, and a round of golf, the Wildcats know where they stand — and want to go. It’s the state tournament, which they feel is a very realistic goal.

“It’s going to take — to make it states — everyone firing on all cylinders especially at the end of the season,” Raskopf said. “We’re going to need a couple of guys making sure we’re the ones firing on all cylinders, so getting their head in the game and making sure we’re prepared for full matches, once the postseason starts.

“If we have a good day, I think we come out over (district opponents) because we feel like we’re always in the hunt, in any round.”

Class 2A-District 9 Boys Golf
Teams
Brooksville Central
Cypress Creek
Fivay
Gulf
Hernando
Hudson
Nature Coast
Pasco
River Ridge
Springstead
Weeki Wachee
Wesley Chapel
Zephyrhills

District tournament details
Host: Springstead
Where: Hernando Oaks Golf Club, 5230 Delacroix Drive, Brooksville
When: Oct. 23, 9 a.m.

Published September 20, 2023

A blast from the fast(est)

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Seth Williamson does everything fast.

Run. Walk. Talk. Even learn.

These are some of the reasons this 7-year-old has earned the title of “Fastest Kid in the Nation.”

That, and he’s also the back-to-back winner of the 100m dash at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Track and Field National Championships.

Wesley Chapel 7-year-old Seth Williamson sprints down the track at Cypress Creek High during practice for Speed Starz Track/Running Club. (Mike Camunas)

“It’s pretty cool being (the Fastest Kid in the Nation),” the tiny Wesley Chapel speedster said, humbly. “I do like telling people that, sometimes, but I like running fast — faster than my friends, but I don’t like beating them. I want to run with my friends sometimes.”

Williamson held onto his 100-meter dash, and Fastest Kid in the Nation, title when, on July 10 at the AAU Primary National Championships at Doctor Phillips High in Orlando, he left his competition in the dust with a 15-second finish time. He would also finish fifth in the 200 meter (31.93) and second in the long jump (3.59 meters).

“It was a lot of fun to compete (in the championships) again,” Williamson said. “It was fun to go over there and go all over (the place) to run track. I was really happy to win again.”

Williamson, for nearly two years now, trains with Speed Starz Track/Running Club — a Wesley Chapel-based program that teaches athletes of all ages the basic fundamentals of running. The club uses professional and advanced running techniques and drills. BeBe Roberts leads the club that has worked with numerous elementary, middle and high school athletes in Pasco County who excel in track and field and other sports.

However, when Williamson showed up on his first day, Roberts — a former track star himself — saw the raw talent and potential.

“When he came to me at 6, during the practice sessions, I put him with the 8- and 9-year-olds, and he was beating some of them! This kid is only 6 and on the track for nearly the first time and beating kids that are much older than him, so I knew this kid is going to be something serious in track and field.

“He is way ahead of the game right now.”

Williamson is ahead of the game — and a lot of other runners.

Roberts calls this little blur  — whose nickname is The Flash, just like the comic book superhero — a quick study that’s on a whole other level.

“He picks up on everything real fast,” Roberts added. “I mean, some of the high school kids can’t pick up this stuff that fast, but not Seth. I tell him one thing, and he picks it up like that, and we’re talking about some advanced stuff.

Seven-year-old Seth Williamson, of Wesley Chapel, is the ‘Fastest Kid in the Nation,’ a title he earned by winning multiple championships last and this year during AAU Track and Field National Championships. On July 10 and July 11, Williamson defended his 100-meter dash title, this time finishing his run in 15 seconds. He also came in fifth in the 200 meter and second in the long jump in the 7-year-old division.

“At his age, he’s on a Level 10 when other kids his age are at a Level 1. … It makes coaching him easy because even at the track meet (during the National Championships), I told him, at the 65-meter mark, ‘Stay high (with your head), keep your posture up, and he did — you can see it in the video, and he won. 

“It (looks) like a professional (running).”

Williamson says he loves working with coach Roberts at Speed Starz.

“Coach BeBe is a good coach,” he said. “I like him a lot. He’s taught me how to have a fast start and how to have good form.”

Williamson showed his ability to learn quickly when he took on the long jump. Roberts said the young athlete didn’t practice the long jump much since “he’s a straight sprinter,” but still went out and placed well.

“He just went out there and got second in the nation,” Roberts said. “I mean, we get to the meet and then all of sudden, people are pointing him out and saying, ‘That kid right there — he’s the one to beat,’ and he was only fifth in the preliminaries (for the 100 meter). Everyone thought they had a shot on him, but then he surprised everyone.

“He’s a remarkable athlete — a fast learner and fast on the track, which is a great combo.”

Roberts said he’s “never seen someone this talented, this smart at (track), not at (Seth’s) age,” but also feels privileged to coach such a talented athlete at such a young age.

For Williamson, he’ll try to prove he’s not a flash in the pan — as fast as he can.

“Track is more easy (of a sport), since you can’t get hurt as often or as easily,” he said. “I like football and soccer, too, but I don’t play them. I just want to be on the track.

“I run everywhere, pretty fast, and I like running a lot.”

Speed Starz Track/Running Club
Details: Speed Starz Track/Running Club is a Christian-based track club in Wesley Chapel. It is designed to teach athletes of all ages the basic fundamentals of running, by using professional and advanced running techniques and drills. To see highlights of Seth Williamson accomplishments, visit his official Instagram account at @seth2flash.
Info: SpeedStarz.webflow.io/about

Published August 02, 2023

Cycling through the movies

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Grab some popcorn — it’s time for a show.

But also grab a water bottle and a towel because at Cycle Cinema, there will be a show, but there will be sweating, too.

Cycle Cinema is a one-of-a-kind fitness studio that combines the energy of a traditional cycle class with the visual and sound experience of the big screen. Located inside Theater 5 at B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, owner and operator Nick Walton removed all movie theater seats and replaced them with stationary bikes to provide morning and evening spin classes.

A trainer runs a session of Cycle Cinema, a one-of-a-kind fitness studio that combines the energy of a traditional cycle class with the visual and sound experience of the big screen. Located inside Theater 5 at B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Cycle Cinema removed all movie theater seats and replaced them with stationary bikes to provide morning and evening spin classes. (Mike Camunas)

Those stationary bikes sit in front of the big screen, include surround sound and participants can get a great workout with the help of a trainer and visuals on the screen that include trails, routes, motivational images and more.

“The visual aspect is a big thing,” said Walton, who also is executive director of the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Foundation in Zephyrhills. “That’s the hook that gets them in the theater.

“We’re in that category of boutique studio fitness, but there are no other spin studios in Wesley Chapel, so maybe you can get spin classes at a gym like EōS, but there’s nothing else like this out there.

“Certainly not another cycle studio with a full-size movie screen in front of them,” he said.

Persuading people that there’s actually a studio inside a movie theater is the biggest challenge, he added.

Most expect a spin studio to be in a strip mall but, of course, those can’t provide the big screen.

“They also think we’re in here watching movies,” Walton said. “When people realize what we’re doing, that it’s actually cycling classes, then they’re even more interested — because it’s still an intensive spin class, and once people realize that then they’re less apprehensive to come to a movie theater to work out,” he said, with a laugh.

When Cycle Cinema isn’t using the screen to show routes or trails, it will hold movie-themed nights, tapping into current releases showing in theaters just next door to the fitness studio.

Cycle Cinema puts a new spin on going to the movies. Instead of munching on popcorn while watching a film, the people in this particular theater are burning off calories, while riding stationary bikes.

For example, there was a boxing-themed class to go with the showing of ‘Creed 3’ and the ‘Rocky’ franchise. Another was doing a Mario-themed class, in which the screen showed ‘Mario Kart’ tracks to riders.

“People really liked that,” Walton said. “Especially the Mario class.”

Walton says classes are, for now, mornings and evenings on weekdays, as well as classes on weekend mornings. However, if there were requests for more classes at specific times, Cycle Cinema would be amenable to changing its schedule.

But riders now like the convenience of a spin class before or after work.

Wesley Chapel resident Sasha Glover, who was the first person to join Cycle Cinema, said she enjoys that benefit, plus the aspect of going to a non-gym.

“I love the indoor cycling atmosphere, I love the screen, I love the people, I love what they show and I love it’s not really going to a gym,” Glover said. “I love that there’s the screen and the instructor in front of you, especially since it’s dark in there (laughs), and everyone can’t look at you. Sure, it’s a little self-conscious thing, but once that is gone, then you can just focus on working out and riding.

A trainer is silhouetted in front of the big screen in Theater 5 at B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16 during an evening session of Cycle Cinema.

“At a gym, everyone is there looking at you and … ewww. Here, you’re in your own little world and just work out. That’s much better for me.”

As a mom of two, Glover says she attends up to four classes a week, which has resulted in getting in great shape and losing weight. She also appreciates being able to bring her two kids, both of whom enjoyed what was on the big screen.

“My son,” she said, “loved Mario night and he even jumped up on a bike and rode some.

“It’s just so totally and completely different and an amazing experience every time I come and ride,” she added.

Especially since the cyclists are there for a workout — not a popcorn flick.

“There’s no one else doing something like this in a movie theater, possibly in the world,” Walton said. “Exercise should be fun and engaging, and I don’t know what could be more fun and engaging than working out in front of a giant screen at a movie theater.”

Cycle Cinema
Where: Inside B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel
Details: A one-of-a-kind fitness studio that combines the energy of a traditional cycle class with the visual and sound experience of the big screen. The studio is located in Theater 5, where all movie theater seats have been removed and replaced with stationary bikes. Morning and evening classes are offered on most days. Cycle Cinema also offers a free trial for the first class as an introductory tryout.
For more information, visit TheCycleCinema.com.

Published June 21, 2023

Hitting the gym — and the century mark

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Roy Caldwood is a risk taker — a rebel.

And, a humanitarian.

The 100-year-old veteran — who regularly stays fit and active by working out with a trainer at AdventHealth Wellness Center in Wesley Chapel — served as a Buffalo Soldier in World War II, encountering German infantry and Third Reich soldiers in Italy. He was a medic, caring for his brothers in arms in the 92nd Infantry Division Reconnaissance Troop Second Platoon.
“I will say this, it was a hell of an experience, a once in a lifetime experience, and what I learned was how it felt to live in a free society and a colorless society — because in Italy, it was color blind. You never heard the word ‘color’ in the two years I spent in Italy,” Caldwood said.

Roy Caldwood, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, works out with Mike Guerdan, a trainer at AdventHealth Wellness Center in Wesley Chapel, where Caldwood comes to stay active and in shape. The gym gave the New Tampa resident an honorary membership to thank him for his World War II service as a Buffalo Soldier in the 92nd Infantry Division Reconnaissance Troop Second Platoon and, well, also because he’s the only centenarian who works out at the Wellness Center. (Mike Camunas)

Nearly 80 years later, Caldwood has long been retired and has resided in New Tampa now for about a year. His wife of 73 years, Muriel, passed in the summer of 2022.

He stays active by gardening and still does some traveling, and he works out with a hands-on trainer at AdventHealth Wellness Center, in Wesley Chapel.

The gym recently honored Caldwood, for his service and for being its only 100-year-old member, by giving him an honorary membership.

His daughter, Diane Royer, who also works out at the gym, thought it was a good way for him to remain active. But she also knew that this “risk taker” would need some guidance (a.k.a supervision).

“My role is to safeguard him, but if it was up to him, he would go (too) hard because he’s a risk taker, but also a humanitarian,” Royer said. “He’d be in here (at the gym) trying to help other people, which is all well and good, but I would feel bad if something happened to him.”

Caldwood works out with Wellness Trainer Mike Guerdan. The trainer keeps Caldwood grounded, even if the centenarian willingly does more than required.

“It can be tough to make sure he doesn’t do too much given his age, so I just want to make sure he doesn’t do anything too irresponsible and hurts himself,” Guerdan said. “He’s like a vintage automobile — you’ve got to drive him carefully.”

Royer worries her father might do too much — knowing his history as both a soldier and humanitarian.

Caldwood was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions in the war.

While in Italy, with the village his unit was occupying under imminent German attack, he and other medics volunteered to help the Italian villagers, but he also undertook a very dangerous mission.

New Tampa centenarian Roy Caldwood stays active and fit thanks to regular workouts at AdventHealth Wellness Center in Wesley Chapel, where he was bestowed an honorary membership as a thank you for his service in World War II.

He volunteered to escort a group of Italian women to go grocery shopping. They needed to pass through a section called “Purple Heart Stretch” because entering that war zone meant risking death.

“The Germans thought my actions were completely suicidal,” Caldwood recalled.

“That’s just Roy being Roy — always wanting to help somebody somehow, but also taking the road less traveled,” his daughter added. “For him, it’s go big or go home.”

When Caldwood finally did go home to his native New York, he spent more than 21 years in the New York City prison system as an assistant deputy warden and program director at Rikers Island. He worked in that system until 1976.

During that time, he was among six guards who were taken hostage during the 1972 Rikers Island Riot. Caldwood helped negotiate a peaceful resolution.

“Sometimes, you have to take a risk to help others,” said the author of “Making the Right Moves: Rikers Island & NYC Corrections.”

Roy Caldwood, at 100, still works out regularly with weights at AdventHealth Wellness Center, in Wesley Chapel.

The book recounts the story of the 1972 riot. In 2001, he was awarded the New York City Commissioner’s Award for Bravery and in 2016 received the New York City Department of Correction Guardian Association Medal of Honor, Valor & Merit.

Now, as he walks through the gym, sometimes wearing clothing honoring his Buffalo Soldier notoriety, Royer is still surprised no one notices.

“No one said anything when I put the year 1922 on the forms when signing him up,” she said. “I thought maybe they’re used to it — but here’s a 100-year-old Buffalo Soldier at this gym and no one knew! Which is okay because he’s working out and staying active.”

Guerdan agrees.

“It’s inspiring to see his work,” the trainer said. “It’s still pretty amazing to see him in the gym and handing him weights and he’s slinging it above his head and doing more than what I asked him to do.

“I hope I can still do that when I’m 100 or even younger!”

Caldwood — a rebellious, risk-taking humanitarian — doesn’t feel his age.

“I love this gym — and I like Mike (laughs),” Caldwood said. “But I don’t feel 100 — I’ve never been 100 before, so I don’t know what it’s supposed to feel like!

“But I’m going to keep working out and hopefully I’ll reach 101.”

Published May 24, 2023

Running up to Boston

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Tia Pettygrue has been running toward this goal for about 12 years.

The 54-year-old New Tampa resident has qualified to run in the 128th annual Boston Marathon on April 15, 2024.

“It’s the Super Bowl for runners — because it’s the only one you have to qualify for,” Pettygrue said.

Tia Pettygrue, of New Tampa, trains at EōS Fitness, a new gym in Lutz, to prepare for the 2024 Boston Marathon. She recently qualified to run in the race after years of running and attempts. The 54-year-old financial advisor and certified running coach set a personal record of three hours, 53 minutes in a marathon in Newport News, Virginia. She will be one of 30,000 participants in the 128th Boston Marathon on April 15, 2024. (Mike Camunas)

It is still a ways off, but this longtime long-distance runner’s excitement hasn’t waned since qualifying for the event while setting a personal record (three hours, 53 minutes) in her 11th marathon — the Newport News One City Marathon — on March 5 in Virginia. 

“I am so excited. I’m thinking about it every day, and I was looking at when I crossed the finish line — the race photographer got the best shots, with all the emotions. I relive it every day now, and I don’t usually buy race photos!

“I’m known for doing a jump picture after my races. People couldn’t believe I was able to do it after running a hard 26.2 miles,” she said, with a laugh.

But all laughing aside, Pettygrue has finally qualified for her dream race, but only after several unsuccessful attempts. Those efforts fell short due to time, or added pressures of the situation, or occasional injuries.

That’s why she joined the new EōS Fitness gym in Lutz. It has trainers, a wide variety of equipment, and various recovery apparatuses and techniques that come in handy for avid runners.

That’s especially true for Pettygrue, who has been running since the mid-’90s.

EōS personal trainer Anya Kalnins has been working with Pettygrue to help her gain more unilateral strength.

She said Pettygrue is one of her most advanced clients.

Tia Pettygrue is overcome with joy and emotion after setting a new personal record at the Newport News One City Marathon, which qualifies her to run in the 2024 Boston Marathon. (Courtesy of Tia Pettygrue)

“She’s also very positive and always keeps her head high — even if she is a little injured, she doesn’t let it get her down,” Kainins said. “As you get older, your body does slow down, so recovery is key, but her training here is very impressive — you love to see that.”

Pettygrue will run long distance, outside, five days a week and then lift weights on another two. 

As for her recovery at EōS, she calls it her “spa day.”

She’ll spend 15 minutes to 20 minutes in the hot tub, 10 minutes in the sauna, finish up in the massage chairs and then put in a little stretching.

Her work and her long journey led her to being selected for the EōS Fitness’ annual “Submit Your Fit” contest, which involves members from across the nation sharing  transformational stories of how they embraced fitness to improve all aspects of their lives.

Pettygrue recalls the beginning of her journey to a more fit life.

“In 2008, on a cruise, someone I hadn’t seen in a while, said to me, ‘Tia, I didn’t even recognize you — you gained so much weight!’

”That’s what I needed to hear at the time.”

Tia Pettygrue poses with her husband, Johnny, after running the St. Pete Run Fest. Tia’s husband of 32 years is an avid long-distance runner, as well.

From there, she got back into long-distance running and signed up for the Gasparilla 15K.

Her husband of 32 years, Johnny, also is an avid runner, and he was ready to do the Gasparilla full marathon, a race that is now discontinued. He convinced PettyGrue to run with him and they have been hooked on running marathons and long races ever since. So much so, they plan trips around runs and then explore the city and area before and after the race.

In all, Pettygrue has run 158 half marathons, 11 marathons, a triathlon and an ultramarathon.

EōS Lutz fitness manager Emory Wolf-Bielawa thinks it’s awesome that Pettygrue has achieved her goal to run in the Boston Marathon.

“Just looking at her story and seeing all the highlights and photos and races she’s run, she’s come a long way,” Wolf-Bielawa said.

As Pettygrue prepares for the biggest race of her life, she will continue her work with Black Girls Run, a nonprofit aimed at getting young and adult black women out to exercise. Through the program, she has coached thousands of women as a certified running coach.

Her devotion to the sport is apparent to others.

“Honestly, I was wondering if I should go up there and support her as her coach! I’ve never been to Boston, so maybe I can make it a work trip — and to see her cross that finish line,” Kalnins said.

Now, Pettygrue is ready to cross the Boston Marathon finish line, after years of running toward it.

“It’s the runner’s Super Bowl — my Super Bowl,” she said, “and I can’t wait to run it — finally.”

Published May 03, 2023

Adaptive sports day is a home run

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It was a hit.

From Wesley Chapel to Land O’ Lakes, the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department had itself quite the day — Adaptive Sports Day at Wesley Chapel District Park, as well as the “At Bat 4 Autism” Home Run Derby at the baseball fields at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex — with both events held on April 15. 

Lauren Neal, of Ruskin, brings the basketball down court during a session of one of the four adaptive sports available at Adaptive Sports Day at Wesley Chapel District Park and Recreation Center on April 15. The event was sponsored by the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department and designed to give individuals with a physical disability the opportunity to try different adaptive sports, from basketball, tennis, pickleball and archery. In all, about a dozen athletes and residents attended and were able to enjoy the sports and facilities. (Mike Camunas)

The activities were timed to bring attention to Autism Awareness Month, which is April, as well as to highlight the department’s Pasco Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation (P.A.I.R) program, which provides active events and activities for those with disabilities.

“I think we had a great turn out!” said Scarlet Lawhorne, recreation leader at Wesley Chapel Recreation Center. “Everyone had a great time and we’re happy with how it all turned out. We’re definitely going to try to make it a yearly thing and hopefully see even more (adaptive sports athletes) come out.”

Senior Recreation Coordinator Kimberly Miller said these two events were put on specifically this month as the department’s initiative to provide more adaptive sports for the county.

“While we have (P.A.I.R activities) all year long, this was our way of doing things during April for Autism Awareness Month,” she added.

At Adaptive Sports Day, about a dozen or so youth and adult participants with disabilities were able to give four adaptive sports — tennis, pickleball, basketball and archery — a try. While pickleball and tennis — put on by volunteers from the Sarah Vande Berg Foundation and USTA Florida, respectively — were brought into the gym because of the heat, archery and basketball were kept outside, with the latter sport seeing some fierce competition. That included stellar play from Team USA Wheelchair Basketball point guard Paul Schulte, who is a two-time Paralympic medalist.

Adaptive Sports Day only cost $5 per athlete and it provided sport wheelchairs for those who might not have them.

Over in Land O’ Lakes, the “At Bat 4 Autism” Home Run Derby had a couple dozen hitters pre-register and participate, however, organizers who braved the heat at the all-day event during Little League and softball games saw a lot of walk-ups pay just $3 for seven swings to be crowned home run champion.

In all, the organizers added, the department made a few hundred dollars off the home run derby, with those proceeds going to the P.A.I.R program.

“It was a great day, with these events,” Miller said. “We love getting this kind of support from the community for (the P.A.I.R) program and our department.

Published April 26, 2023

Tyler Keats, of Sarasota, returns a tennis volley inside the gym at Wesley Chapel Recreation Center during Adaptive Sports Day on April 15.
Robyn Stawski, of Tampa, works on aiming the bow during an archery session at an event offering athletes a different way to compete.
Jacob Paul, of Clearwater, gears up to return a tennis volley inside the gym at Wesley Chapel Recreation Center during Adaptive Sports Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wesley Chapel resident and veteran Jerome Knight pulls back on his bow and takes aim during one of the four adaptive sports available to try at Adaptive Sports Day at Wesley Chapel District Park on April 15.
Shelton Mobley, of Temple Terrace, left, and Bradenton resident and Team USA Wheelchair Basketball point guard Paul Schulte battle for the ball during a game on Adaptive Sports Day in Wesley Chapel.
New Port Richey resident Isabella Thurman works on a return during a game of pickleball on the day highlighting adaptive sports.

Coyotes girls soccer make first state appearance

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They believed in themselves.

That’s all the Cypress Creek girls soccer players — and their coach, Jessica Herzek — had to do, including drawing inspiration from the Apple TV+ hit show, Ted Lasso.

In the show, Ted Lasso, played ever-optimistically by Jason Sudeikis, is an American football coach hired to coach an English Premier League soccer team. Lasso will constantly tell his players, who don’t have faith in him since he’s never coached soccer, homespun anecdotes and inspirational quotes, as he points to a small, yellow-and-blue sign he has hung in the locker room

The sign just says, ‘Believe.’ 

The Cypress Creek girls soccer team became the first team in school history to advance to a state tournament since the school opened in Wesley Chapel, in 2017. The Coyotes (15-6) then faced state powerhouse Plantation American Heritage, losing 6-0. (Courtesy of Jessica Herzek)

That’s all Lasso, and also Herzek, wants the players to do, to believe in themselves and each other.

“When I watched that show,” Herzek excitedly recalls, “I was like, ‘He coaches like I do!’ … So yeah, it’s about (we) ‘Believe,’ so let’s go get it. We’re doing it the way that we believe in ourselves, so with a big game, I’m sending (my players) texts and telling them what to expect and getting mentally prepared for that game, and we come out better for it.

“The biggest thing I found in girls’ sports is you have to have unity — there can’t be bad attitudes,” she added. “They can’t be mad at each other or have animosity, which can cause discontinuity as a mental unit. This year, I focused a lot on the mental aspect of the game because we needed to focus as being one unit. That can be hard in high school.

“But it paid off.”

Channeling her inner Ted Lasso certainly paid off, as Herzek led the Coyotes (15-6) to becoming the high school’s first varsity team to advance to a state tournament since the school opened in 2017 in Wesley Chapel.

“It’s pretty awesome — it’s a really good feeling,” Herzek said. “Girls’ sports don’t get a lot of accolades or a lot of attention, and this girls soccer team is quite amazing. We knew it was a big deal, and we were very excited about it.

“It’s nice for them, for the players, to feel as though they’ve accomplished something and deserve the accolade that they worked very hard for.”

Unfortunately, the Class 5A state final four appearance most definitely didn’t go as the Coyotes would have liked, as they ran into one of the best teams out there: perennial state powerhouse, Plantation American Heritage. 

Cypress Creek lost 6-0 on Feb. 17.

“From Day One, I told them we were a final four team,” Herzek said. “I told them they have the abilities of a final-four team, but they have to work for it. When they did, they finally believed they were a final-four team.

“But they never gave up (in the state semifinal). That’s one of the best teams in the nation, and they never gave up.”

The Coyotes have had a strong run in the postseason the past four seasons.

Starting in 2020, they broke through for their first regional tournament appearance, but lost to Englewood Lemon Bay in the first round. In 2021, Lemon Bay ended the Coyotes’ season again, but this time the loss came in the region finals. In 2022, after jumping up to Class 5A, Merritt Island knocked out the Coyotes in the first round.

Herzek began coaching the team three years ago. However, she’s been coaching some of the players, including three senior starters, since seventh grade. They are: goalie Alex Capocy (114 saves), Abby Pittman (defensive stalwart) and Brooke Evans (five goals, five assists).

The Coyotes leading scorers were junior Allison Souers (30 goals), junior Ashley Olds (22 goals) and Avery Blevins (12 goals). All three had a team-high 10 assists.

As Herzek looks ahead, she “believes” the team will build on what’s become its yearly success.

“It was amazing going to states and really fun to experience it with the girls,” Herzek said. “I loved seeing how excited they were, especially because they really accomplished something. … What we did was historical, but like Ted Lasso, I try to also instill in them to not take it so seriously. If we can’t have fun in soccer, then why are we even doing it?

“That’s the neatest part about coaching.”

Published March 01, 2023

Coyotes out to prove they’re not a fluke

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The Coyotes lost their best player ever — in their best season in just their short six-year history.

Yet, the Cypress Creek High baseball team has no plans to take a step back in competitiveness.

“Actually, our group, and myself, we’ve come in with high expectations,” said Coyotes coach Joe Neale, who is 64-43 since starting the program. “I think we’ll be very competitive, and we’re going to compete every night, but I don’t think there’s anyone that thinks that if we need a win, that we can’t go get it.

Senior outfielder and pitcher Ryan Buelk returns to the Cypress Creek High baseball team after the Coyotes had its most successful season in 2022. The team, entering its sixth year, finished 16-8 and advanced to the Class 5A Regional Semifinals, losing 5-4 to Melbourne Eau Gallie. (Mike Camunas)

“The district (Class 5A-8) is wide open, so there will be close ballgames, but we’re deeper (on the roster) than a year ago, so we’re happy about that.”

That is something of itself since the Coyotes saw the departure of two-way player Ethan Petry, the 2022 Sunshine Athletic Conference Player of the Year and now budding freshman at the University of South Carolina.

Petry, a third baseman, batted .479 on 34 hits with 18 RBI, nine doubles, two triples and a team-high six homers. On the mound, Petry was 5-2 with a 1.97 ERA and a team-high 60 strikeouts.

Also now playing collegiate ball is Caden Kwiat at East Georgia State College after going 4-3 with a 1.71 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 2022 and catcher Nick Sanchez at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina after batting .306 with 22 hits, 14 RBI, two doubles and two triples.

Sophomore third baseman Ethan Morris flips the ball home on a bunt drill during a Coyotes practice.

But Neale is expecting big things from senior pitcher and first baseman Max Menendez, who was 3-0 with a 3.15 ERA and 43 strikeouts on the mound and who drove in a team-high 20 RBI last season.

“It feels great (to step into the No. 1 pitcher role), but now it’s time to show,” Menendez, a Thomas University (Georgia) signee, said. “I know (Petry’s) shoes are big to fill, but I’m going to do my thing and make my own big shoes to fill for next year.”

Helping fill in for Petry is transfer Ryan Maggy. The junior shortstop will take over for Petry not only in the infield, but at the plate, where he batted .534 with 39 hits, 47 RBI, four homers, 48 runs scored and had 16 stolen bases for Peru High in New York.

Coyotes coach Joe Neale enters his sixth season at the helm, with an overall record of 64-43.

“I’m just glad to get here and play baseball everyday, nothing beats that, because we’re shoveling snow off the fields in February,” said Maggy, a University of West Virginia commit. “I’m just trying to contribute just as much, if not more, than any of the previous teammates we’ve had, like the seniors that left last year. It’s not that I’m the new guy or thinking about the previous seasons — I’m thinking about this season and how I can make it a good one.”

Others looking to make it a good season will be Ryan Buelk, who will step into a closer role and “can be lights out on the mound,” Neale said. Plus, Derek Carson will become a starting pitcher after throwing just 7.2 innings in 2022.

“We expect big things out of Derek,” Neale said. “As a lefty on the mound, he doesn’t throw too hard, but has great command and really keeps guys on their heels. If we give him three or four runs a game, we’re going to win those games.”

While the Coyotes might be experienced and have depth, they are still young — but ready to return to the postseason after winning their first playoff game in the regional quarterfinals: a 6-4 win over Okeechobee.

“I think since it’s always so competitive, that the guys are never comfortable,” Neale said. “They’re never complacent and humble enough that they know they have to work hard. When you see these guys want to work enough so they can get the starting spot and work hard to climb over each other, it just makes everyone better.

“So, we don’t feel like last year was a fluke.”

Districts
Class 7A-District 7
Alonso
Palm Harbor University
Plant
Riverview
Steinbrenner
Sumner

Class 6A-District 5
Land O’ Lakes
Mitchell
Springstead
Sunlake
Wiregrass Ranch

Class 6A-District 9
Armwood
Gaither
Hillsborough
Leto
Tampa Bay Tech
Wharton

Class 5A-District 8
Cypress Creek
Fivay
Lecanto
Pasco
River Ridge
Wesley Chapel
Zephyrhills

Class 5A-District 9
Braden River
Brandon
Freedom
Jesuit
Parrish Community
Southeast
Spoto

Class 2A-District 5
Bishop McLaughlin
First Academy
Hernando Christian Academy
Redeemer Christian
Seven Rivers Christian

Class 2A-District 10
Academy at the Lakes
Cambridge Christian
Carrollwood Day
Foundation Christian Academy
Seffner Christian
Sports Leadership & Management

Independent
Zephyrhills Christian

*Bolded teams are Pasco County teams and teams in the publication’s coverage area.

Published February 22, 2023

Seniors are strolling and striding

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The seniors are stepping on up.

The Senior Walking Club makes its way around the more than 2 miles of paved trails and pathways around the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex. The group meets weekly. (Mike Camunas)

They are getting in their daily steps with the Senior Walking Club. It’s a new weekly activity at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex, 7727 Boyette Road, that meets in the mornings, stretches and walks more than a mile or 30 minutes, as a low-impact workout and a social meetup.

“We just thought it would be a good way to get in exercise in under an hour,” said Recreation Specialist Shannon Saracena, who leads the group each Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. “We get a lot of walkers here at the park and we figured, why not get them together?”

The club will meet and stretch for a bit and then head out onto the more than 2 miles of paved pathways and trails at the district park.

Recreation Specialist Shannon Saracena, left, shares a laugh with Wesley Chapel resident Monica Locke, while leading the weekly meetup of the Senior Walking Club at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex. Several local seniors meet on Tuesday mornings at the pavilion, next to the gymnasium, to stretch, and then they walk on the complex’s paved trails for 30 minutes or more. It’s an easy, free way to get in a low-impact workout.

The club has walkers of all abilities and they come from various parts of Pasco County. They have this in common, though: They’re looking for a brisk walk and a nice conversation.

“It’s a great social aspect,” Saracena said. “I love that people come and meet new people and get to know one another better.”

The club has no real official members or memberships. All are welcome and so are leashed pets.

However, the best part?

It’s a free, great way to take a stroll with new friends.

“They can walk as much as they want with us, or go further without us, but we’re not restricting anyone or saying this is what we do each and every week,” Saracena added. “All we want to do is to provide a nice weekly get-together for residents and people who love this park to join in and have a great walk to get their steps in.”

Senior Walking Club
When: Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex, 7727 Boyette Road
Cost: Free
Details: A weekly meetup of seniors looking for low-impact exercise and some friendly conversations. Participants can walk as much or as little as they like throughout the complex’s paved trails. There will be 15 minutes of stretching, 30 minutes or more of walking and a 15-minute cooldown. Pets on a leash are welcome.
Info: Call 813-345-3145, or email .

Published February 01, 2023

Debbie Dyer holds her dog, Frankie, after the little pup became worn out during a session with the Senior Walking Club at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex.
The Senior Walking Club makes its way around the more than 2 miles of paved trails and pathways around the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex. The group meets weekly.
The Senior Walking Club uses more than 2 miles of paved trails and pathways at the Wesley Chapel

Dinking in the dark

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It was fun while it lasted.

And even after — because as the lights came on, the pickleball players were still enjoying themselves.

They had gathered to play Cosmic Pickleball — a fun, new twist to the incredibly popular sport. In this version, players were encouraged to wear neon colors and then played with neon balls under black lights, with laser light displays and music amping up the atmosphere.

Neon pickleballs were used during Cosmic Pickleball at Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex on Jan. 14, allowing players to see them glow under the black lights. (Mike Camunas)

The three-hour event, at Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex on Jan. 14, was a new take on a sport that’s taken the recreation world by storm.

After about an hour of playing in the dark, many players asked to switch back to normal lighting.

Even so, event organizers were pleased with the turnout and the different spin on pickleball.

“Well, now we just have a dance party, huh?” joked Shannon Saracena, the Pasco County recreation specialist that organized the event. “It’s kind of sad we had to turn the lights on, but it was a good turnout and everyone still played, so that’s all that matters.
“We’re just glad everyone had a good time.”

Saracena said they got the idea for Cosmic Pickleball from a regular pickleball player that played in a similar event in North Carolina. That one, however, was outdoors and only featured three courts.

Cosmic Pickleball at the complex in Wesley Chapel was indoors, allowing for the black lights and laser displays, as well as featuring six courts in the gym.

Ann McHugh, of Wesley Chapel, returns the ball during a round of Cosmic Pickleball at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex on Jan. 14. Recreation specialists at the park decided to try a different spin on the very popular game, encouraging players to wear neon colors that would show up under the black lights, with laser light displays and music playing during the three-hour event.

“We also encouraged everyone to wear bright or neon colors,” Saracena said. “And some people didn’t disappoint, as those were some bright pickleball outfits (laughs).”

To aid match play, neon balls were used, as they would light up under the black lights. Additionally, some balls had glow sticks inserted inside the middle, or even had some glowing material from inside the glow sticks painted on the balls.

Players were given glow sticks to wear, as well.

Moving forward, Saracena says they will host another Cosmic Pickleball event, but this time for youth players. They figure kids might play the whole event in the “dark,” as the one kid who was there — 12-year-old Rey Gonzalez Jr., who played with his dad, Rey Sr. — was disappointed when the lights came on.

“Oh, yeah, we think the youth will really like Cosmic Pickleball,” Saracena added. “So, we’re looking forward to having that event and keeping it cosmic the whole time.”

Michael Vizza, of Wesley Chapel, hits a pickleball under the black lights and laser light displays at Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex.

How to play Pickleball
Pickleball is played on a court that is 44 feet by 20 feet, with a net that’s 36 inches tall. The game features a non-volley zone often referred to as “The Kitchen.” It is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes (similar to a wiffle ball).

The game starts with the “Two Bounce Rule,” meaning the serving team serves cross-court to the returning team and the ball must land past the kitchen in the box diagonal from the server to be a valid serve. Any serve that lands in the kitchen or on the kitchen line is a fault.

The returning team returns the ball off of a bounce (bounce 1) and now the serving team also has to let the ball bounce before hitting it (bounce 2). From there, play is open, meaning everyone is now allowed to hit balls out of the air.

Balls can only be hit out of the air when standing outside the kitchen. If a player hits the ball out of the air while in the kitchen or standing on the kitchen line, a point is lost. If the ball bounces inside of the kitchen, a player can move into the kitchen to hit the ball off of a bounce, but the players must reset their positioning and get out of the kitchen before hitting the ball out of the air.

Scoring is called out in a three-number sequence: the server’s score, the returner’s score and whether server 1 or 2 is serving. For example, if the server calls out a score of 2-1-1, that means their team has two points, the returning team has one point, and they are the first server.

Only the serving team can score points. A side out is when the service switches teams. Matches are best two out of three games format, and games are played to 11 points, win by two.

Published January 18, 2023