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A monster accomplishment

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Angie Ng didn’t see the creature.

First, she’s not sure the legendary monster of the Loch Ness exists. And secondly, the water in the Scotland loch is pitch black.

Angie Ng, a 52-year-old mother and nurse practitioner from Wesley Chapel, recently was part of a four-person team that swam the Loch Ness in Scotland and set the relay record with a time of 11 hours, 29 minutes and 27 seconds. (Mike Camunas)

“People say that it doesn’t exist because it’s a tourist trap,” the 52-year-old mother and nurse practitioner said, with a sly smile. . So … I didn’t see it — it’s not there (laughs), … but also the water is very deep and it’s very dark. So I didn’t get (how dark it was) until I swam in it. It was just black, so maybe it was hiding under the water, but I didn’t want to think of that (laughs).

“To me,” she added, “I always figured Nessie is friendly because there’s so many toys and fun things of it, so never really a ‘RAWR’ kind of monster, but a friendly one, so I guess that helped (laughs).”

From left: Ryan Leung, Angie Ng, Eliza Chang and CK Mak celebrate becoming the first Hong Kong relay team to complete the Loch Ness swim. The team also set a new record of 11 hours, 29 minutes and 27 seconds, besting a record set by a Czechoslovakian team set in 2019 by 9 minutes. (Courtesy of Angie Ng)

Ng partnered with friends Ryan Leung, Eliza Chang and CK Mak, and on July 27, they dove into the frigid Loch Ness waters to complete a 23-mile relay swim. Not only did they complete the bucket-list feat, but did so in record time. The foursome, all of whom hail from Hong Kong, finished in 11 hours, 29 minutes and 27 seconds, besting a record set by a Czechoslovakian team set in 2019 by 9 minutes.

Ng hangs her swimming cap on the record, which was certified by both the British Long Distance Swimming Association and Marathon Swimmers Federation, and is another impressive accomplishment for the longtime swimmer.

Ng also swam across Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong in 2016, marking the second time she accomplished that feat. She also did it as a 9-year-old and finished seventh, however, that swim was not held for decades due to water pollution.

“Why did I do it?” Ng asked. “There is really only one reason and that reason is … because it’s there! Because, really, why not? Yeah, it seems dangerous or a big goal, but it’s taking a calculated risk — because it’s not like I was going to do it without any preparation.”

Wesley Chapel resident Angie Ng took a fun selfie after finding the Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie — a tiny stuffed animal she got while on her trip to Scotland. (Courtesy of Angie Ng)

Preparation included hours upon hours swimming laps at the pool at the Seven Oaks Clubhouse, starting all the way back in January. However, there was one thing Ng wasn’t prepared for. The airlines lost her luggage, which she would not have for the entirety of her three weeks in the United Kingdom.

“As adventurous as it can be, you try to plan for everything, but from the start, everything could go wrong,” Ng said. “As soon as I get there, I didn’t have my prescription goggles, I didn’t have my swimsuit, I didn’t have anything. … I had to go into town and look and look for a new swimsuit. … And in the shop there was a mannequin with a swimsuit and it fit perfectly — it’s the only one left and it’s bright orange, so (it’s) perfect for open-water swim, but that’s what I had to do within the first hour after I land.”

Angie Ng swims across the Loch Ness in Scotland, during one of her legs of the relay. (Courtesy of Angie Ng)

So as Ng battled the cold 50-degree water, while not thinking if Nessie was watching from below, she thought about what the accomplishment meant.

“Lesson learned: Even when nothing goes according to your plan, try to go with the flow and just see what surprises life will bring you,” she said. “Never underestimate your potential. A working mother can be very determined and powerful, too.”

Now back stateside and still getting in her laps, Ng shows no signs of slowing down. Already there have been discussions on her next challenge: swimming the English Channel, which, “I think that for open-water swimmers, that swimming that is the ultimate goal,” she said.

Because even at her age, Ng is a creature of habit.

“At age 50, it almost feel like the beginning, because it doesn’t matter the age,” she added, “I still want to be adventurous, and whether you’re 17 or 70, I think you’re still looking for something. You know when it’s something that you know it’s not a piece of cake, but you want to finish it — that’s what this was for me. I always want to finish the next challenge.”

Published August 31, 2022

National ice skating showcase comes to Wesley Chapel

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It was figure skating’s time in the spotlight.

Literally.

AdventHealth Center Ice — known widely for its hockey teams and tournaments — hosted an entirely different kind of event, when more than 500 performers laced up their skates for the U.S. Figure Skating 2022 National Showcase.

Megan Siemp, of the Ice House Skating Academy in Michigan, performs her Junior Character Performance Showcase during the U.S. Figure Skating 2022 National Showcase at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel. More than 500 performers came to the weeklong competition, and put on varying showcases with costumes and musical numbers. (Mike Camunas)

The competition ran from Aug. 1 to Aug. 6.

The performers donned impressive costumes and used various props to perform to memorable songs, to demonstrate their impressive skills.

“We do have a lot of hockey events, so it was really nice for figure skating to take over the rink for a whole week,” said Jenna Dispenza, who, with her husband, Vinny, are the skating directors at Center Ice. “Hockey is great — Go Lightning! — but it’s nice for figure skating to get its turn here to shine.

“And it’s pretty incredible,” she added. “(The showcase) is the biggest national-type of competition U.S. Figure Skating hosts. Plus, the elite level of the theatrical side is just a huge bonus, because it’s comparable to Broadway (shows).

Traverse City (Michigan) Figure Skating Club’s Anna Rossiter goes full ‘greased lightning’ for her Junior Character Performance Showcase.

“Once the showcases get going, it’s really ‘Lights, camera, action!’”

Skaters flooded the common areas and halls of Center Ice, wearing elaborate costumes and makeup. They worked with props to come up with theatrical performance showcases, fusing figure skating with artistic creativity.

Showcase events were open to single skaters, duets, small ensembles and production numbers.

Skaters performed in the categories such as Emotional Performance, Choreographic Artistry, Lyrical Pop, Character Performance, Comedic Impressions and Interpretive.

Remington Bennett, of the Ice House Skating Academy in Michigan, was one of more than 500 performers at the recent U.S. Figure Skating 2022 National Showcase, at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.

“The incredible entertainment this event, its skaters are bringing is so different in our sport where it’s not just the technical part,” Dispenza said. “It’s not just jumps and spins — it’s the costumes, the props, the music, the theatrical side of skating, some of which you don’t typically see.”

Dispenza said the community came out in large numbers, not just to see the showcases, but also to volunteer.

“A lot of people really wanted to see a different side of skating,” Dispenza added.

“And they weren’t disappointed. They saw some incredible showcases.”

The Dispenzas also coach Champion’s Edge, the figure skating club at Center Ice. The club was well represented in the National Showcase, with the skaters performing their own showcases, as well as a team performance.

Figure skater performers from Michigan, Paige Bartholomew, left, and Lexi Lafata, help each other apply makeup for their performances at the U.S. Figure Skating 2022 National Showcase, at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.

The team — featuring eight girls, ages 11 to 16 — offered their take on Florida by transforming themselves into “The Beach Girls” for the performance on Aug. 6.

“It’s incredible to get a big group of skaters like that working toward one big showcase,” Dispenza said. “We have local skaters who want to get out there and just take complete advantage of this opportunity to put on a showcase here.”

Jessica Romonosky, a 14-year-old Land O’ Lakes resident with Champion’s Edge, was proud of the way Center Ice hosted the event.

“This is the biggest thing to ever happen (to figure skating) at the rink,” Romonosky said. “It’s really great to see how our rink is being fully represented with such a huge event. It’s so awesome to be a part of this entire showcase.”

Fellow Land O’ Lakes resident Mackenzie Toews, 11, said she wasn’t used to so many additional figure skaters beyond her Champion’s Edge club.

“But it was so cool and awesome to see everyone’s different routine and what they ended up doing for a performance,” she added.

That was the whole point: figure skaters had a whole week to spotlight their talents.

Just like Olivia Bosley, a 13-year-old Dade City resident, who performed her showcase to ‘When I Am Older,’ a song sung by Olaf (Josh Gad) in ‘Frozen 2.’

“I’m really proud of my work, considering it’s at a national showcase,” Bosley said. The event, she said, “is pretty exciting because you get to see what everyone else comes up with and puts together in different categories. I think we’re all excited to perform, but we’re also very excited to watch other performances, too.”

Published August 10, 2022

Kasey Breul, dressed as Marty McFly from ‘Back To The Future,’ views a television screen to watch other skaters performing at the U.S. Figure Skating 2022 National Showcase, in Wesley Chapel.
Alexandra Nelson, dressed as Doc Brown from ‘Back To The Future,’ awaits in full costume to perform her showcase with her partner, Kasey Breul, dressed as Marty McFly.
Gemma Soles, of the Traverse City (Michigan) Figure Skating Club, dons a yellow costume and soulful song for her Junior Character Performance Showcase during the U.S. Figure Skating 2022 National Showcase, at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.
Kate Mullen, of All Year Figure Skating Club in Los Angeles, was one of more than 500 performers from across the nation at the figure skating showcase.

 

A few ‘sticking’ points, in the art of self-defense

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This is definitely one way to stick it to the opposition.

Kali Filipino Stick Fighting. This martial arts form is gaining popularity, as it becomes more and more prevalent in media — from movies and TV shows.

Noah Hioario works with a stick and a rubber knife instrument during a Kali Filipino Stick Fighting class at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex. This beautiful, but deadly, art form instills awareness of self-defense, and of its Filipino heritage and culture. (Mike Camunas)

At the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex, Grandmaster James Berdal is teaching this form of self-defense that came to the mainstream during the 1970s, taking its place next to other major martial arts.

“From Day One, a stick, or two, will be in your hand,” said Berdal, who was trained in stick fighting by Supreme Grandmaster Floro Villabrille and Grandmaster Ben Largusa. “Unlike other systems, the weapons training is not until after a certain level. With the use of the sticks, the hands develop and become ambidextrous with (all the) drilling.

Kali Filipino Stick Fighting students learn techniques and moves through smooth rhythm and flow, which leads to self-defense that can be used with other martial arts forms.

“The main purpose, for me, is to perpetuate this very beautiful and deadly art form, and its cultures, and to instill awareness of self-defense to my students.”

Berdal, originally from the Philippines, teaches the Kali form, which is what he learned from Villabrille-Largusa teachings. It emphasizes weapon-based fighting with sticks, knives, bladed weapons and various improvised weapons, as well as “open hand” techniques without weapons. The method can be used in any fighting system, defensively or offensively, through the use of angles and zone concepts by rhythm and flow.

“Why stick fighting?” Berdal asks. “It gives individuals a well-rounded application of weapons and a strong base core to multiple weapons with simplicity.”

Kali Filipino Stick Fighting Grandmaster James Berdal runs this self-defense class at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex, teaching students a method that one can adapt to any fighting system, especially with rhythm and flow.

Students of the twice-weekly class work with long sticks that resemble bamboo poles, but they also work with actual deadly weapons.

For the most part though, and for safety reasons, participants — who must be 13 or older — will use a rubber-knife weapon with their stick to practice moves and flow.

“In a nutshell,” Berdal adds, “it’s a cultural art that is just now getting recognized — no one knew it was a part of the Philippines. Most everyone thought it was part taekwondo or judo or just karate.

Kyle Lacanlale works his sticks in defense doing drills with a partner, during a Kali Filipino Stick Fighting class at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex.

“Stick fighting is coming out and it’s in demand. It’s in the movies, it’s on TV, and now it’s requested by many stunt operators and military-combat training advisors.”

Kali Filipino Stick Fighting is very controlled. While the students do pick up weapons very quickly, they are taught discipline, which is evidenced by Berdal’s use of a drum to instruct and coordinate precise moves, both with weapons and empty hands.

Those who take stick fighting classes are surprised by its good, low-impact workout and that it teaches how to use weapons in a controlled manner.

“I thought it was just like, you know, swinging sticks, especially after listening to them talk about it,” said student Marley Galan. “But then I actually tried it, and I’ve been really enjoying it. … At first, it was really hard, and they just taught me the basics. Even to this day, I still get a whole bunch of stuff wrong, but I’ve seen progress.

“For me, I like the idea of learning a new skill, and this skill seems like it’s pretty useful, and I know it’s a good way to keep active.”

As for Berdal, it is important to teach the culture behind Kali Filipino Stick Fighting. That’s definitely what one might call, a “sticking” point, for him.

In his classes, he shares stories about his teachers to honor their legacy and to teach the Kali system to the community.

“The movements can be like a dance,” Berdal added. “This is a very controlled, very slow martial art that’s not as aggressive as some others. There’s balance that comes with the movements, but then also the points of finesse and accuracy. Very Ying to the Yang.”

Kali Filipino Stick Fighting Classes
Where: Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex, 7727 Boyette Road
When: Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $60 per month
Details: Learn the finer points of Kali Filipino Stick Fighting from Grandmaster James Berdal. This class includes weapons and is for participants ages 13 and older. Register online at secure.rec1.com/fl/pasco-county-fl.
Info: Call 813-345-3145.

Published July 27, 2022

instructing his students when to move, teaching them balance and coordination both with empty-hand moves and with a variety of weapons.
Marley Galan works on form with his sticks during a Kali Filipino Stick Fighting class at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex.
Kali Filipino Stick Fighting student Imaini Thompson works on a pose with form during a class at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex.
Domarchiné Thompson, a student of Kali Filipino Stick Fighting, practices moves during a class at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex.

No rest for the wicket

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Like many recreational sport leagues, they just needed a place to play.

Unlike many recreational sport leagues, the demand unexpectedly bowled its way right onto the pitch.

The Tampa Falcons pick up a hit in a match against Tampa Shaheen during a weekend match at their pitch, located at Wesley Chapel District Park. The two teams are part of the Tampa Premier League, a cricket organization that hosts several matches and series throughout the year. (Mike Camunas)

“I was playing American College Cricket with USF’s (the University of South Florida’s cricket) Club Team, and we won two championships,” Wesley Chapel resident Nagesh Nayak said.

“When I graduated from USF, there was nowhere I could still play. When I was looking for a place to play, I drove by the empty land on Wesley Chapel District Park and proposed (playing there) to the county — (Parks and Recreation Manager) Brian Taylor and (Pasco County Commissioner) Mike Moore — and they said if you want to play, go ahead.

“So we built a pitch, and then (cricket), all of sudden, was in high demand. People kept coming out and it just kept spreading, so more people wanted in.

“It was like a gradual cult,” he said.

Back in 2016, after Nayak built the pitch at the district park, he started Tampa Premier League, which has cricket teams mostly locally, including places such as Wesley Chapel, Tampa and several near USF, but also as far as St. Petersburg.

Tampa Avengers bowler Gaurav Samant goes sideways with his delivery over the pitch to the St. Pete Shields during a cricket match at Wesley Chapel District Park.

Initially, there were eight teams.

But demand was so high, more teams were added. The league now has 21 teams.

“I don’t always remember names, but I remember faces,” Nayak said. “I think that everyone remembers everyone else out here. So, they just keep telling more and more people about where they can play cricket.

“Free agents are a big thing with us (at this league), especially someone moving to the area, who might not know anymore,” he said. “So, through the Facebook page and social media and messaging, we help get him on a team in the right area or one that might need him.”

Tampa Premier League founder and manager Nagesh Nayak

Nayak says about 80% of the league is USF students, however, there are several teams that come from varying workplaces that have formed a team. For instance, one team is made up of Citibank employees; another, of pediatricians and doctors from New Tampa.

The league hosts six games to 10 games per weekend, and each team is guaranteed per season, or series.

Each series can have a different champion, such as Nayak’s team, the Wesley Chapel Legends, which won the Titan Cup V T20 series in November. Another team — the Tampa Avengers — is looking to defend its Tampa Bay Summer 2021 Super 16 Bash by winning this summer’s Wesley Chapel Summer Blazing 16 series.

The Avengers are off to a good start, defeating the St. Pete Shields on June 18 at the district park.

Cricket is the main sport for India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, said Gaurav Samant, an Avengers all-arounder. He bowls (pitches), bats and plays the field.

“Each of those (countries) has some guys out here because it’s something we all share the love of to play. It’s incredible that so many of us love cricket this much.

“And also still great competition.”

Samant is a great bowler, but admits that “everyone wants to bat — everyone.”

“Bowling — people do it, but batting is what everyone looks at — (it’s) where you can entertain the audience,” he said.

Through all the entertainment, the real reason is obvious why all these players brave the heat and play matches throughout the year.

“This is for the love of the game,” Avengers’ coach Balaramraju Kalidindi said. “This is like a hangout for us. It’s pretty serious, but we still enjoy the game. It’s fun hanging out with friends.

“Cricket is one thing that brings us together.”

Tampa Premier League
Info: A cricket league that plays its games at Wesley Chapel District Park on the weekends. The league has varying series all year long and teams are consistently being added. To learn more about the league, visit tampa-cricket.com/TampaCricket.

The Basics of Cricket
During normal cricket play, 13 players and two umpires are on the field. Two of the players are batters and the rest are 11 members of the fielding team. The other nine players in the batting team are off the field in the pavilion.

The bowler, or pitcher, intends to hit the wicket (a set of three wooden stumps and two bails) at the end of the pitch — a 22-yard center part of the field — with the ball or, at least, to prevent the striker, or batter, from scoring runs. The striker, by using his bat, looks to defend his wicket and, if possible, hit the ball away from the pitch in order to score runs. Once the ball is put into play, the striker and the other batter, or non-striker, attempt to score runs by swapping places on the pitch. The fielding team then tries to prevent run scoring by “dismissing” the batters, so they are “out” and are said to have “lost their wicket.”

Means of dismissal include being bowled, when the bowled ball hits the stumps and dislodges the bails, and by the fielding side either catching a hit ball before it touches the ground, or hitting a wicket with the ball before a batter can cross the crease line in front of the wicket to complete a run.

Published July 06, 2022

Tampa Avengers fine leg fielder Saurav Sharma makes a catch of a cricket ball during a match at Wesley Chapel District Park, securing an out.
St. Pete Shields’ Mohammad Raz connects with his cricket bat during a match hosted by Tampa Premier League at Wesley Chapel District Park.
Tampa Avengers bowler Aneel Mohammad delivers a ball over the pitch during a match at Wesley Chapel District Park.

 

It’s all in the bag

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As long as the bags are flying, this league will continue to grow.

Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League founder Jarrett Scheer. (Mike Camunas)

Because for Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League, it’s all about giving players in Central Pasco a place to play.

“I mean, we only started about six months ago,” league founder and manager Jarrett Scheer, a Wesley Chapel resident, said. “We started with 32 players and now we have more than 60 at a tournament. Weekend tournaments do better, obviously, but the weekday tournaments — people are looking for something to do and go out — and those have great turnouts, as well.”

One very popular feature for this cornhole league is that it’s indoors. Given the heat and the rain, players are liking the competition that doesn’t have them in their backyards, sweating and being attacked by bugs.

“People don’t like the elements to affect their throws, so it’s nice and climate-controlled. The better players like it inside because that’s where they play the really big tournaments: inside,” Scheer added.

Scheer and fellow organizer, Jack Piety, host a weekly tournament, where players can win monetary prizes. Every Wednesday, the league sets up at Double Branch Brewing and Bites, at the Grove at Wesley Chapel. Scheer recognized the need for a cornhole league or group because he was tired of traveling a long way just to play.

“Honestly, (I just had to) get (the) name out there — you go and play tournaments, and you just get going with word of mouth and starting a Facebook group … because there was nothing in the Wesley Chapel or Land O’ Lakes area,” Scheer said. “Driving an hour or so to play a cornhole tournament wasn’t always the most fun thing to do.

Mike Forsythe, of Lutz, left, and Scott Lofmark go head-to-head in a cornhole match, one hosted by the newly-formed Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League based out of Wesley Chapel.

“Double Branch is just a big space, and with the area there at the Grove at Wesley Chapel, (it) is just booming right now. … And so we get all walks of life that come and play. I even have an 11-year-old kid that comes and beats everyone — he’s pretty good. There are even a few 70-80-year-old players, too. Men, women, children, all skill levels — they just show up and play.”

Scheer welcomes all kinds of competition, to those just looking for fun or those who really are out for competitive play. However, to combat ringers coming in and running a tournament, especially as a two-person team, the tournaments will be Switcholio format.

This is a blind-draw, round-robin tournament, in which players get a new partner for every game and ranked on an individual basis. The organizer can use the leaderboard to recognize and reward top finishers, or seed them into a single elimination playoff.

More so, the league uses the Scoreholio app and site, which allows for live-time scoring. Players can view the leaderboard on a monitor Scheer sets up, as well as on their phones.

Bags lie in wait to be tossed during a Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League event, at The Groves Golf and Country Club clubhouse in Land O’ Lakes. The league hosts several tournaments monthly, with monetary payouts to the winners and attendance growing with each outing.

That app has helped garner more players for the league.

“I’ve been playing a long time and just found people on there who told me about (this league),” said Brian Robinson, a Brandon resident who traveled to Land O’ Lakes to play in a tournament. “I just play to have some fun, maybe win some money, but this was a bunch of good people — good vibes,” said Robinson.

“I found it on Facebook,” said Howard Smith, a Lakeland resident who entered a tournament because he was staying with his girlfriend in nearby Lutz. “The tournaments are real cool and a great way to win some money. I like the competition — it’s different than just playing around in your backyard.”

“And,” Robinson added, “it’s gone from 30 to 60 people, so it’s definitely popular, definitely something people are looking for here. But hey, the more people, the better the payout (laughs).”

The league is getting players from all over, too. As far as Sarasota and Sebring, to name a few. Which Scheer is all on board for.

“So, I get people from all over the place and they’re like, ‘Oh, wow. I really like this place (Double Branch).’ So they come back or they even go to the other places at the Grove — it helps all the places in Wesley Chapel,” he said. “I hope we just keep getting bigger because I want to bring business to businesses that don’t usually get as much business.

“Just by playing a little cornhole.”

Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League
Details: A league based out of Wesley Chapel, open to all ages. There are occasional tournaments on the weekends, but the league plays every Wednesday at Double Branch Brewing and Bites, at the Grove at Wesley Chapel. Tournament winners are awarded monetary prizes, paid for by fees to compete.
Info: Visit the league’s Facebook Group, at Facebook.com/groups/4369806859780455.

Published June 29, 2022

Kristin Allen, of Auburndale, lets a bag fly during a Switchholio tournament hosted by Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League.
Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League players can view live scoring on the Scoreholio app, which is helpful during tournaments, to see who they are playing next or how well they are doing.
Tyler Schenfield, left, and Matt Parker compete during a Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League tournament, at The Groves Golf and Country Club clubhouse in Land O’ Lakes.
Shane Kneep, of Sarasota, is all smiles before he tosses during a Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League tournament.
Mike Smith, of Ellenton, whispers to his bags to fly true as he competes in a match hosted by Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League tournament.

Richard Fernandez, of Land O’ Lakes, left, and Gary Montemurro compete during a Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League tournament, at The Groves Golf and Country Club clubhouse in Land O’ Lakes.

Splash for the cash

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Wyatt Deaton just kept swimming.

For 2 miles — raising $5,900 through his persistence.

“This makes me — it just makes me super proud,” said his mother, Michelle, a cancer survivor. “I know he’s doing it for me, so it just means the world.”

Wyatt Deaton, 11, of Wesley Chapel, swims at the pool at the North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg during the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7. Deaton swam 2 miles (or 30 laps in the pool) and raised $5,900 (and counting), the most for this swim event. (Mike Camunas)

The 11-year-old was powering through laps as part of Swim Across America (SAA), the nationwide fundraising event for cancer research, clinical trials and patient programs.

He did it for his mom who has secretory breast carcinoma, a rare form of cancer.

“I just wanted to do my part to raise money for cancer (research), because my mom’s cancer is very rare, and this helps finding rare cancers and helping people, like my mom, who have it,” Wyatt said.

With SAA, participants set a goal to raise a certain amount of money and distance they’ll swim — ranging from a half-mile to up to 2 miles.

Events are held both on open water and in aquatic center pools.

Wyatt planned to swim 2 miles in the Gulf of Mexico on May 7, however, poor weather changed those plans — forcing the event to be moved to the North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg.

Wyatt Deaton, 11, of Wesley Chapel, is all smiles before hitting the pool at the North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg during the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7. He raised more than $5,900 for cancer research, clinical trials and patient programs.

Buoys were set up in the pool, creating a circular track for the swimmers.

Wyatt was the youngest swimmer to swim 2 miles.

He set a fundraising goal of $2,000, but so far he’s raised $5,900, and counting.

He was the top fundraiser for the Tampa Bay SAA event.

“As a coach, it’s my job to set big scary goals, sometimes, for kids,” said Wyatt’s coach Brian Ahern, of the Tampa Elite Aquatics Mantarays (TEAM).

“Raising that much money was a big scary goal; swimming that far was a big scary goal, too, but I told him, if he raised that much money, I’d swim the 2 miles with him.

“The fact that he raised more than double that is just incredible,” Ahern said.

Wyatt Deaton gives his mom, Michelle, a loving look prior to the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7. Michelle, a cancer survivor, is the reason Wyatt raised more than $5,900 for cancer research, clinical trials and patient programs.

Wyatt has been swimming since about age 5; he was in first grade when he found out about his mom’s cancer diagnosis.

“He was devastated, so he just read every book to learn more about it,” Michelle said. “I think that being able to do something as a child that makes a difference means a lot to him, and I can see him doing (SAA) for years and years to come.”

Wyatt is a straight-A, fifth-grader at Family of Christ Christian School in New Tampa.

He also competes with TEAM, which, as a team, has raised nearly $30,000 for SAA. The Tampa Bay event raised more than $136,000 for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.

Perhaps surprisingly, Wyatt didn’t take to the water quickly.

“When he came in, he had to learn the competitive strokes,” Ahern said.

In this year’s SAA swim, Wyatt and his coach completed their pledge swim on a warm Saturday morning, with Wyatt alternating between freestyle stroke and his on-the-nose but favorite stroke: “Yep, that’s the breaststroke,” he said with a smile and nod to his mom.

This was Wyatt’s third SAA, and he has already set a lofty goal for next year’s event.

He wants to raise $10,000.

Swim Across America
Info: There are several swim events across the country and state throughout the year. There is an upcoming swim at Hunters Green Pool in New Tampa at a date yet to be announced.
To donate to Wyatt’s fundraising, visit SwimAcrossAmerica.org/goto/Wyatt.

To learn more about Swim Across America or to donate directly to the organization, visit SwimAcrossAmerica.org.

Published May 18, 2022

Wyatt Deaton, 11, of Wesley Chapel, swims 2 miles at the North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg prior to the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7 with his Tampa Elite Aquatics Mantarays (TEAM) swim team coach Brian Ahern. TEAM has raised more than $29,000 for cancer research, with Deaton individually raising more than $5,900 of that total.
Michelle Deaton takes a photo of her son, Wyatt (green shirt, kneeling), with the rest of his Tampa Elite Aquatics swim team at North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg, prior to the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7.
Michelle Deaton, center, is all smiles as her husband, Rick, both look on as their son, Wyatt, 11, of Wesley Chapel, is interviewed by Swim Across America CEO Rob Butcher about raising over $5,900 — the most of any individual swimmer in the area.

Sunlake boys finish third at state cross-country championships

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The Sunlake High School varsity boys cross-country team continued to show itself as among the state’s elite distance running programs and tops in Pasco County, and in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The Seahawks finished in third place out of 32 schools in Class 3A at the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) State Cross Country Championships at Apalachee Regional Park, in Tallahassee.

The Sunlake High School varsity boys cross-country team finished third in the Class 3A state championship meet, representing the best finish among all local schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. From left: Nathan Lee, Cason Meyer, Cade Culpepper, Alex Pena, Colby Robbins, Maximillian Goserud and Cody Smith. (Courtesy of Randal Reeves)

The 3A team crown went to Miami’s Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, which tallied 42 points after its top five runners went second, ninth, 10th, 14th and 17th place, respectively. It represents that private school’s fifth-consecutive state title and 13th all-time.

Second place went to Fort Myers High School, who tallied 132 points after its top-five finished seventh, 22nd, 37th, 44th and 50th.

Sunlake wasn’t far behind.

They tallied 151 points, as its fleet went third, 16th, 23rd, 58th, and 76th in the 3.1-mile course on Nov. 12.

Rounding out the top five team finishers were Fort Lauderdale’s St. Thomas Aquinas High School (201 points) and Naples High School (235 points), respectively.

Junior Alex Pena — who paced Sunlake with a third-place individual finish — broke the 16-minute mark by clocking a 15:46.8, a 5:04 per mile pace.

The lone runners in the 3A meet who finished ahead of Pena were Leon High School sophomore Patrick Koon (first place, 15:23.8) and Belen Jesuit sophomore Joshua Ruiz (second, 15:37.4).

Following Pena for Sunlake were seniors Colby Robbins (16:21.3) and Cason Meyer (16:21.3); freshman Cade Culpepper (17:03.1); and, senior Maximillian Goserud (17:16.9).

The Seahawks sixth and seventh varsity runners — whose scores aren’t tallied in the results — were junior Nathan Lee (17:47.7) and senior Cody Smith (18:16.7).
The timed average for the Sunlake boys was 16:36, equating to an average pace of 5:21 per mile. There was just a 1:31 gap between its No. 1 through No. 5 runners.

The Seahawks, coached by Randal Reeves, racked up a number of other accolades during the season — altogether sweeping conference, district and regional team titles.

Robbins took individual crowns at each of those three meets. This included recording the fastest time in county history (and setting a new Sunlake record) with a 15:14 mark on the school’s 5K home course at the Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) meet on Oct. 20.

The 2021 (FHSAA) Florida High School Athletic Association State Cross Country Championships was held Nov. 12 at Apalachee Regional Park, in Tallahassee.
(Courtesy of Florida High School Athletic Association)

Other individuals from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area also fared well in the 3A boys meet.

Cypress Creek High School junior Zack Poekert finished sixth overall, timing 16:05.

Zephyrhills High School sophomore William Poe took 26th, clocking 16:35.

The meet featured 234 runners.

Several local teams and individuals exhibited solid showings at the state finals across other classifications, too.

The Wharton High School varsity girls yielded the next best local team showing — finishing 10th in the Class 4A meet.

The Wildcats were paced by senior Brooke Reif — a University of Richmond signee — who finished fourth among all individual 4A girls, after running an 18:49.2, an average pace of 6:03 per mile.

The Sunlake girls went 14th in the 3A meet, while the Land O’ Lakes High School girls collected a 26th place finish.
The Steinbrenner High School boys program went 24th in the 4A contest.F
Land O’ Lakes native Elli Black — a home-schooled seventh-grader who runs for Tampa Cambridge Christian School — finished state third overall in the 1A girls meet, posting 18:26.4. The other state qualifying girls individual was Wiregrass Ranch freshman Ava Schmitt (48th, 20:27.3, 4A girls).

Roundup of local teams and individuals at the 2021 FHSAA Cross Country State Championships:

Boys

4A
Steinbrenner (24th)

Ronald Aeschleman, senior (57th, 16:52)

Sawyer Raveling, senior (111th, 17:37.1)

Jaden Simpson, senior (124th, 17:46.0)

Jacob Smith, junior (169th, 18:25.4)

Joaquin Abanses, freshman (170th, 18:26.3)

Brady Peifer, freshman (172nd, 18:28.3)

Eion McDarby, senior (212th, 19:49.7)

3A
Sunlake (third)
Alex Pena, junior (third, 15:46.8)

Colby Robbins, senior (16th, 16:21.3)

Cason Meyer, senior (23rd, 16:31.8)

Cade Culpepper, freshman (58th, 17:03.1)

Maximillian Goserud, senior (76th, 17:16.9)

Nathan Lee, junior (110th, 17:47.7)

Cody Smith, senior (148th, 18:16.7)

Indvidual(s)

Cypress Creek: Zack Poekert, junior (sixth, 16:05)

Zephyrhills: William Poe, sophomore (26th, 16:35.5)

 2A

No local teams or individual runners

 1A
No local teams or individual runners

 Girls

Class 4A
Wharton (10th)

Brooke Reif, senior (fourth, 18:49.2)

Alexi Amer, senior (51st, 20:30.8)

Alexandria Frye, senior (81st, 20:56.5)

Olivia Hammill, junior (109th, 21:18.3)

Aubrey Raile, junior (127th, 21:46.6)

Keira Moody, freshman (191st, 23:27.7)

Dana Robinson, senior (209th, 24:22.9)

 Individual(s)

Wiregrass Ranch: Ava Schmitt, freshman (48th, 20:27.3)

3A
Sunlake (14th)

Sara Ellingson, senior (54th, 20:15.7)

Shelby Viseur, senior (77th, 20:39.9)

Avery Pham, sophomore (78th, 20:41.1)

Abigail Williams, sophomore (89th, 20:49.8)

Jaiden Wickert, junior (128th, 21:35.8)

Emma Burleson, senior (145th, 21:57.8)

Ally Moyer, sophomore (165th, 22:22.6)

Land O’ Lakes (26th)

Maranda Hildebrand, senior (88th, 20:48.9)

Sara Ashley, senior (133th, 21:39.2)

Aileen Castillo, sophomore (152nd, 22:04.0)

Dixie Blessing, freshman (169th, 22:43.5)

Ava Adriana, sophomore (171st, 22:47.0)

Grace Connoy, sophomore (200th, 23:38.6)

Alli Laffler, freshman (202nd, 23:40.9)

 1A
Individual (s)

Elli Black, Cambridge Christian (Land O’ Lakes resident), eighth grade (third, 18:26.4)

Published Nov. 24, 2021

Women’s soccer league blends fun, fitness, fellowship

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Visit Wesley Chapel District Park on any given Sunday evening, and you’re bound to find about 60 women scattered across four teams playing friendly games of soccer.

The New APSL (Adult Premier Soccer League) has a women’s and men’s division. Both divisions take advantage of the long summer days, with game action continuing after sunset. Here, before field lights are illuminated, the Goal Diggers are silhouetted against a sky of the approaching dusk. From left, teammates Victoria Rybka, Ashley Chevalier, Emily Myers and Briana Breland, all of Spring Hill, have a brief sideline discussion during a water break in their game against the Benito team. Goal Diggers beat Benito, 3-1. (Fred Bellet)

It’s called the New Adult Premier Soccer League, or New APSL, for short.

The recreational club was formed around 2013 by Colin Eke, a former semi-professional soccer player from England, who’s been involved with the game for some 50-plus years.

The New APSL women’s spring league runs through July 11, with summer, fall and winter seasons planned beyond that.

Players come from as far away as Orlando Spring Hill, Brooksville and St. Petersburg, as well as locally in Dade City, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and other area communities.

The club welcomes players of all skill levels, ranging from beginners to advanced.

Goal Diggers player Sarah Gelinas of Spring Hill, right, prepares to take control as Sonic player, Jenna Huetten of Wesley Chapel, covers Gelinas. Gelinas splits her time as a midfielder and goalkeeper.

There’s even a player on the league’s Goal Diggers squad — Hudson High School and Flagler College product Lindsay Zullo — who was part of the 2014 Haiti women’s national football team.

“Anyone can come play,” Eke said, in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz Newspaper. “There’s no division between how competitive and recreational. They’re all mixed in together, and they’re all there.”

Besides good-natured contests in a welcoming atmosphere, many of these active ladies use the league as a vehicle for exercise and weight loss, and stimulating conversations.

Sarah Gelinas of Spring Hill, left, plays goalkeeper for part of the match and midfielder for another part of the match. Here, she goes high to prevent a goal by the Sonic team.

“Fun is the word,” Eke said the New APSL. “It’s just ladies coming out to have a good run and having a bit of fun on a Sunday night, getting away from the normal routine they would have during the week, and it’s a way of letting off a bit of steam as well. That’s what makes the difference.”

The hardest part of overseeing the year-round women’s league?

Sometimes, Eke jokes, it’s whistling to get the ladies together to start the games on time, because they’re usually “chatting away as if it’s a social event” on the sidelines. The conversations cover everything from relationships, to schooling, to cooking and other hobbies.

“They’re all friends. There’s no rivalry between any of them. They just want to come along, relax and enjoy the camaraderie,” the league organizer said.

Isabelle Martinez and her husband, Antonio Martinez, of Dade City, watch their daughter Silvia Martinez plays soccer in the New APSL.

What also makes the club special, Eke said, is the ability for teenage daughters (ages 14 years old and up) to play alongside mothers or guardians for free, fostering a family bonding outing, of sorts.

“They enjoy that side of it,” he said.

Eke is also quick to note he invites ideas from club members, welcoming suggestions on game times, gameplay rules, field locations, roster sizes and so on.

“I’m just a caretaker. I’m just here to listen to what they want,” said Eke. He subscribes to the notion of having an open-door policy. “If someone wants to talk to me about something different, then I’m prepared to listen to it.”

Playing in one of four new women’s teams in the New APSL (Adult Premier Soccer League), Goal Diggers player Alicia Szilagyi of Hudson, left, squares against Sonic player, Alexandra Baker of Dade City, who comes in to block Szilagy’s kick.

Except for a close friend, who pitches in to help referee games, Eke is “a one-man-band,” coordinating league schedules, reservations and other inquiries, oftentimes in between lunch breaks at his day job at Port Tampa Bay.

“it’s good fun. I enjoy it,” Eke said of running the league. “It’s not a job for me, it’s a hobby, you know. It’s a vocation. I enjoy every Sunday night being a referee.”

He also makes efforts to coordinate a trophy and awards celebration after each season.

League champions generally receive a seasonal prize, such as woolen hats and gloves in the winter, or breathable T-shirts in the summer, along with coffee mugs, beer glasses “or whatever they fancy,” Eke said.

Colin Eke is league director for the New APSL. He also splits his duties as a game referee.

The New APSL offers men’s and Hispanic leagues, too.

Eke also has toyed with organizing indoor soccer, ultimate Frisbee and cricket leagues in the area, if enough interest picks up with those sports.

“There’s a lot of things I’d love to expand into,” he said.

For information, visit newapsl.com or call (813) 610-2278.

Published June 16, 2021

The coveted trophy that will be bestowed to The New APSL league winner, is revealed.

Wesley Chapel native Tre’ McKitty selected in NFL Draft

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Wesley Chapel native Tre’ McKitty soon will live out his lifelong dream of becoming a professional football player in the National Football League (NFL).

The local athlete was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round with the 97th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, on April 30 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The pick occurred on the second day of the three-day, seven-round event broadcast live on national television and radio.

Wesley Chapel native Tre’ McKitty played the 2020 season at the University of Georgia, after transferring from Florida State University. Despite an offseason knee injury, his size, pass-catching and blocking abilities caught the attention of NFL scouts and teams. (File)

The 22-year-old McKitty is expected to sign a four-year contract in the neighborhood of $4.8 million with an $840,000 signing bonus, based on projections from Spotrac, the largest online sports team and player contract resource.

McKitty grew up playing youth football for the Land O’ Lakes-based South Pasco Predators (while attending Pine View Middle School), and played varsity football and basketball his freshman year at Wesley Chapel High School.

From there, McKitty transferred to Tampa Catholic High School and Bradenton’s IMG Academy, where he established himself as one of the nation’s top tight end prospects in the 2017 recruiting class, with over 30 NCAA Division I FBS scholarship offers.

The 6-foot-4, 246-pound McKitty began his college career Florida State University (FSU), where he caught 50 balls for 520 yards and two touchdowns from 2017 to 2019.

He did all that for a Seminoles program in turmoil, transitioning through three different head coaches (Jimbo Fisher, Willie Taggart and Mike Norvell) while on campus.

McKitty transferred to the University of Georgia for the 2020 campaign— about a month after Norvell was named FSU head coach in December 2019 — as a graduate student eligible to play football immediately after earning a degree in criminology.

An offseason knee injury kept him sidelined for the Bulldogs until mid-October.

He caught six passes for 108 yards and a touchdown in just four games for his new team, which went 8-2 and won the Peach Bowl.

This player is able to adapt
All told, McKitty had to be a quick study throughout his entire college career, playing for four different offensive coordinators — forcing him to get acclimated to varying systems, schemes, terminology, and coaching personalities and styles.

McKitty (No. 87) dives for the end zone during a Nov. 28 game against South Carolina. (Courtesy of University of Georgia athletics department)

McKitty believes those experiences will serve him well in the pro ranks, which he detailed in an April 30 post-draft Zoom media conference call.

“I think it does nothing but help me,” he said. “Having to pick up something new every year, I think my ability to learn is quick, so I think that will help me a lot. I definitely think that my experience as far as changing offensive coordinators and staffs is going to help me in the future.”

McKitty was noticeably amped and emotional throughout the virtual media call, as reporters peppered him with questions.

“It’s crazy,” he said of being drafted. “Once my phone rang, my heart started beating right away.”

When asked to describe his skill sets, McKitty observed: “Hard worker. Guy that’s going to get it done all three downs. I feel like I’m an all-around tight end.”

Besides pass-catching abilities evident in his statistics, McKitty is regarded for doing dirty work as an in-line run-blocking tight end.

It’s an area of the game he takes particular pride in.

McKitty put it like this: “Blocking, 80% of it is ‘want to,’ so I think I have that dog in me to want to go and put somebody on their back, and then also, it comes down to technique. I have to continue to grow in that, but I think it’s there, and I’m definitely going to improve on that, as well.”

McKitty’s strong blocking skills are something Chargers general manager Tom Telesco also emphasized during a virtual post-draft media conference.

“One of the best things he does is really block at the line of scrimmage,” Telesco said during the media session.

“Very good size, strength, power, good feet to stay on blocks, and he likes to do it, and you can tell. And, he comes from more of a pro-style offense at Georgia, so he’s had to do it.

“That position’s very hard to find in college nowadays — the guys that do it and do it well — and it’s also a big part of  our offense moving forward here, is having a tight end that can get on the line of scrimmage and block.”

Telesco acknowledged McKitty wasn’t frequently used in Georgia’s passing game as a receiver “so there’s still some things to work with and develop.”

But, the Chargers lead decisionmaker feels McKitty has the tools to succeed in that arena because “he does have some athletic ability to get out in space and run.”

Added Telesco: “He runs well, he’s smooth. His strength, his size, his frame is going to help us in that position group right now.”

Chargers first-year head coach Brandon Staley echoed many of the general manager’s comments about McKitty during post-draft media interviews.
The coach also pointed out the high-level of competition McKitty faced throughout the Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conference, as well as strong practices and workouts in the Senior Bowl, a post-season college football all-star game that showcases the best NFL Draft prospects.

McKitty was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round (97th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. The three-day, seven-round event was held in Cleveland, Ohio and broadcast live on national television and radio. The 22-year-old grew up playing youth football for Land O’ Lakes-based South Pasco Predators, prep ball at Wesley Chapel, Tampa Catholic and IMG Academy, and college ball at Florida State University and the University of Georgia. (Courtesy of NFL Media Communications)

“We just felt like we were getting a really good evaluation of the guy and felt like you could really see a projection to a guy that can play that position in the NFL,” Staley said. “We just felt really good about him. …He’s a big guy, so adding size to our offense, that was a big goal.”

McKitty is eager to get started.

“I can’t wait to get to get out to L.A., just can’t wait to be in the city,” he said, also thanking the Chargers for the opportunity. “I want to come in and learn, and do whatever I can to help this team win.”

McKitty will join a busy Chargers position group as one of six rostered tight ends — which also includes 13-year NFL vet and two-time Pro Bowler Jared Cook.

The established player is someone the soon-to-be rookie hopes to learn from in training camp and beyond.

“I’ve been watching him the last few years, that’s one of the tight ends I try to watch film on, so it’s going to be an awesome opportunity and I can’t wait to work with him,” McKitty said.

McKitty joins exclusive company
McKitty represents the highest draftee from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area since Wharton High School/University of Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III was picked by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round (11th overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft.

The last local athlete drafted was Gaither High School/Penn State University defensive back Amani Oruwarie, who was taken in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.

The draft otherwise showed the Sunshine State is king when it comes to producing NFL-level talent.

McKitty was one of 37 players from Florida high schools selected in this year’s draft of 259 players, more than any other state for the third time in four years.

Texas preps produced 33 players selected in the draft, followed by Georgia (21), California (19), Louisiana (13) and North Carolina (10) as the only other states that had at least 10 players selected, respectively.

Tre’ McKitty

What other NFL experts are saying about Tre’ McKitty:

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com: “The ultra-athletic pass-catcher didn’t put up big numbers as a collegian, but his physical tools could make him a key contributor at the next level. McKitty’s upside and potential makes him a solid value pick for the Chargers.”

Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com: “With his size, speed and athleticism, McKitty has the potential to develop into a starting three-down tight end in the NFL.”

Daniel Popper, The Athletic: “The Chargers need some run-blocking juice in the tight end room, and McKitty will provide that. He is fluid and athletic at 6-foot-4, 246 pounds with the traits to develop into a solid pass-catching option, as well.”

Drae Harris, TheDraftNetwork.com: “Tre’ McKitty aligned as the ‘move tight end’ for the Bulldogs offense. He has good athleticism, as evidenced by his good body control and agility. In the run game, he is willing to stick his face in the trenches and block. He will not be a vertical mover, nor will he create a new line of scrimmage, but he has adequate blocking ability. He is dynamic as a pass-catcher due to his outstanding ‘run after catch ability.’ He had a knee scope just before the start of the season and it is unknown how healthy he was playing in 2020.”

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: “Pass-catching tight end who can be asked to do some minor positional blocking up front, but he’s better as a move blocker. McKitty’s play speed doesn’t always match his real speed, which is a problem in terms of his separation and ball tracking. He’s better up the seam and on the move than he is getting in and out of breaks. If he can get stronger and learn to play faster as a pass-catcher, he might have a chance as a developmental TE3.”

Steve Muench, ESPN.com: “McKitty shows the ability to create separation and find soft spots in zone coverage. He displays strong hands in traffic and does a good job of plucking the ball away from his frame. He was underutilized during his college career, but he showcased his higher ceiling at the Senior Bowl.”

Published May 12, 2021

Strides on the track and in the classroom

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Cypress Creek High School senior Ashleigh Lacey will graduate as her school’s valedictorian, with a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA (and 4.6 weighted).

Armed with an Associate of Arts degree and Bright Futures scholarship, the accomplished student soon will attend University of South Florida’s (USF) Judy Genshaft Honors College with plans to attend medical school and become a psychiatrist.

The local teen’s aptitude, however, travels beyond the classroom.

She’s also a decorated varsity track athlete — boasting several Coyotes girls program records and milestones — while juggling a part-time restaurant job, to boot.

Long jump is one of Ashleigh Lacey’s strongest track and field events; she’ll compete in that at the state finals and she holds a school record of 5.28 meters. (Courtesy of Michelle Lacey)

She most recently qualified for the FHSAA Class 2A State Track and Field Championships on May 8 at University of North Florida-Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville — after finishing second place in the 300-meter hurdles (46.78 seconds, school record) and third in the long jump (5.17 meters) at last weekend’s Regional 3-2A meet at Cypress Creek.

She also finished sixth in the 100-meter hurdles (16.86 seconds, school record) and seventh as a leg of her team’s 4×100-meter relay (50.42, another school record) at the regional meet.

A strong regional showing wasn’t Lacey’s only notable achievement this season.

On April 22, she claimed her first District 9-2A individual title — and set another school record — in the long jump (5.28 meters), defeating Hernando High sophomore A’Reginae White (5.19 meters).

As it stands, Lacey holds seven school records in track and field.

In addition to long jump, 100-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles records and leg of the 4×100-meter relay, Lacey also has top marks in the 400-meter dash (1:04.56), 3,200-meter run (13:16.22), and high jump (1.45 meters).

She’s also known for becoming the first Cypress Creek girls track athlete to qualify for regionals, back in 2018, as a freshman.

“She’s littered through the record books,” Cypress Creek varsity girls track coach Steven Rivers said bluntly in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

Lacey’s well-rounded success doesn’t come by accident.

Rivers compared Lacey’s “enormous work ethic” in athletics and academics to another one of his former pupils — Pasco High product Alfreda Steele, one of the nation’s top sprinters as a graduate student at University of Miami.

“She is an extremely hard worker,” Rivers said of Lacey. “She brings a very positive attitude to the team, and she’s that girl that constantly wants to work, ‘Can I do more?’”

So much so, Rivers often reminds Lacey to not overtrain in practice, and not be too hard on herself when she doesn’t eclipse a certain mark or personal record.

“With Ashleigh, she never feels that she’s done enough,” the veteran coach said. “I have to tell her, ‘The hay is in the barn, now you just have to eat it.’ I have to keep telling her, ‘You have to stop trying to chase it. Just go out there, clear your mind, and run.’”

Ask Lacey, and she’s actually prouder of her physical achievements than intellectual ones.

Though academics are clearly important, success in track and field “is something I have to work harder for,” Lacey said.

She observed: “School is something, I don’t want to say it comes easy to me, it’s something I never really had to super grind at. I study for it, I organize my stuff, I write my notes, I learn the stuff; but for track, it’s just been a bit of a journey, it’s pretty hard, like there’s sometimes where I’m not always going to be the best at it, and it’s kind of more challenging for me and that’s why I like it more. I put more dedication into it, because it’s more about my diet and weightlifting, too.”

Hoping to be a walk-on at USF
Understanding that she’ll likely be going pro in something other than sports, however, Lacey is poised to major in psychology at USF en route to pursuing a doctorate in psychiatry.

Lacey was inspired by AP Biology and AP Psychology, her two favorite high school classes.

Cypress Creek High School senior Ashleigh Lacey will compete in the 300-meter hurdles and long jump at the FHSAA Class 2A State Track and Field Championships, on May 8 at University of North Florida-Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville.

“I loved them. Both were so interesting to me, and I was like, well, for a career, I might as well think of something I like to do and think is interesting, and I want to help people,” she said.

Lacey hopes her academic profile, and versatility and proficiency in so many events allows her to walk on to the USF women’s track & field team, an NCAA Division I program.

The standout athlete would appear to be a prime candidate to shine in the heptathlon, in which competitors take part in the same prescribed seven events (100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200-meter dash, long jump, javelin, and 800-meter run).

High school and AAU coaches have told Lacey as much, though she humbly admits she needs to practice javelin, in particular. “I think I need to work a little more at javelin before I can confidently say I can compete in it,” she said.

Rivers believes competing in track at the next level is well in reach, given Lacey “can do a bunch of different things.”

“The more you can do, the more of an asset that you can be,” Rivers said. “Walking on to USF, being able to do so many things, I’m sure they could possibly find a home for her, but where she would definitely improve (USF’s track and field program) is through her classroom work, their academic side.”

Lacey originally entered high school as a distance runner, competing in cross-country and endurance track events (800-meter, 1,600-meter, 3,200).

But, she experienced a change of heart competing in AAU summer events for Wesley Chapel-based Speed Starz Track/Running Club, following her freshman year.

“I really didn’t like it,” Lacey said of long distance events. “I was like, ‘Maybe I need to try something else,’ because I really love the 300-meter hurdles and I was like, ‘I need to get more into sprinting,’ and then that’s when the heptathlon got brought up, and that’s when I started sprinting and I loved it way more than long distance.”

Lacey credits her abilities in hurdles and jumps to lower body strength and an offseason weightlifting program.

Moreover, her background in gymnastics vault has helped translate to long jump’s mechanics of run up, takeoff, flight and landing.

Lacey explained of the technique, “You have to have the same steps to get on the board so you don’t scratch or anything, because a lot of girls will be really good (with long jump), but they’ll scratch and they won’t score well.”

Lacey now hopes to conclude her prep career with a strong showing against Florida’s best at this weekend’s finals.

She last qualified for the state meet as a sophomore, in the 300-meter hurdles and long jump, finishing 21st and 22nd respectively. She acknowledged being “humbled pretty quick” that time around.

Come this weekend, she may be humbling others.

Published May 5, 2021