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Wesley Chapel/New Tampa Sports

Wiregrass Ranch football loses two playmakers

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The 2017 football season is two months away, but one of Pasco County’s top teams already has taken a hit.

In a week’s span, two varsity standouts from Wiregrass Ranch High School — cornerback Shamaur McDowell and quarterback/safety Raymond Woodie III — have exited the rising program, which last season finished Class 7A, District 8 runner-up, making its first playoff appearance since 2010.

Senior cornerback Shamaur McDowell has transferred to IMG Academy, a boarding school and sport-training destination in Bradenton. (File)

On June 16, Woodie III, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound junior, announced he was enrolling at Sheldon High School in Eugene, Oregon, a move that allows him to reconnect with his father, an assistant football coach at the University of Oregon.

“…I would like to thank everyone at Wiregrass for taking me in and giving me the opportunity to be successful on and off the football field,” Woodie III said, in a statement. “I will forever be grateful to the coaches and players, and wish them nothing but the best this season. With that being said, my family and I have decided it is best for me to move out to Oregon with them and attend Sheldon High School.”

Just four days later, McDowell, a 5-foot-11, 184-pound senior, announced his intention to transfer to IMG Academy, a boarding school and sport-training destination in Bradenton.

“My parents and I felt like it was the best decision,” McDowell said, in a statement. “It will allow me to focus on being the best student-athlete I can be. It will also prepare me for the next stage in my life.”

Both are widely regarded as elite prospects for their respective classes.

And, noteworthy losses for Wiregrass Ranch, which figures to be one of the better teams in Pasco in 2017.

Woodie III, who landed at Wiregrass Ranch after transferring from Carrollwood Day School in the offseason, is rated by 247Sports as a three-star prospect and the nation’s eighth-best dual-threat quarterback for the 2019 class, and boasts scholarship offers from over 20 Division I football programs.

McDowell, a three-year varsity player for the Bulls and verbal commit to the University of Minnesota, is rated by 247Sports as a three-star prospect and ranked among the state’s top 300 players for the 2018 class; he also holds scholarship offers from nearly 20 Division I schools.

Junior quarterback/safety Raymond Woodie III has transferred to Sheldon High School in Eugene, Oregon, a move that allows him to reconnect with his father, an assistant football coach at the University of Oregon. (File)

For McDowell, the transfer to IMG Academy offers an opportunity to further enhance his skills, and raise his national profile.

The academy, ranked as the top prep program in Florida, typically plays a national schedule.

This season, IMG Academy (11-0 in 2016) will play games in Arizona, California, Maryland, Washington D.C., Utah, Alabama and Virginia, facing some of the nation’s other top prep football schools.

Throughout the school year, McDowell will receive training inside state-of-the art facilities from a staff of full-time coaches, trainers and nutritionists.

He will also compete alongside other top talent — IMG’s entire roster is actively recruited by FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) schools.

Meanwhile, the Bulls remain stockpiled with impact players, even with the two departures.

It all starts with senior defensive back Jordan Miner.

The four-star prospect is ranked one of the state’s top 50 players for the 2018 recruiting class, and claims nearly 30 Division I scholarship offers, including Penn State University, University of Maryland, University of North Carolina and University of Tennessee, among others.

Last season for the Bulls, the 6-foot-1, 177-pound Miner tallied 38 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions and 12 passes defensed.

He also racked up nearly 500 all-purpose yards on offense, defense and special teams.

Besides Miner, the Bulls have numerous players with standing college scholarships offers, including wide receiver/safety Daniel Biglow (Fort Lewis College), safety/running back Kwesi Littlejohn (Webber International University), tight end/defensive end Devaun Roberts (Warner University, Webber International) and wide receiver/slot back Adrian Thomas (Webber International).

The return of 1,000-yard rusher Da Da McGee and a potential breakout campaign from junior quarterback Grant Sessums should also help mask the exodus of Woodie III and McDowell.

Save for anymore unforeseen departures from the program, the Bulls look to build on last season’s success, under third-year coach Mark Kantor.

Kantor, who previously coached at Hudson High School, orchestrated an impressive turnaround from 2015 (2-8 record) to 2016 (7-3 record).

But, the upcoming season won’t be easy.

Besides facing tough district opponents like Plant, Gaither and Wharton high schools, the Bulls kick off the 2017 slate against nondistrict opponents Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel and Sunlake high schools — which went a combined 22-7 last season.

The challenging schedule may come in handy near playoff time, however.

The Florida High School Athletic Association’s new playoff system for football stresses strength of schedule, along with overall record. After the four district champs in Class 7A, Region 2, the other four playoff teams will be determined by a points-based system.

In preparation for the rigors of a demanding 2017 schedule, Kantor arranged a May 19 spring game against Tampa Catholic (33-27 loss) and August 18 preseason classic against Clearwater Central Catholic (9-2 record in 2016).

—Stats were supplied by coaches on Maxpreps.com

Wiregrass Ranch High 2017 football schedule
Aug. 18 – at Clearwater Central Catholic
Aug. 25 – Zephyrhills High School
Sept. 1- at Wesley Chapel High School
Sept. 8 – Sunlake High School
Sept. 15 – at Sickles High School
Sept. 22 – Wharton High School
Oct. 6 – at Gaither High School
Oct. 13 — at Freedom High School
Oct. 20 — Leto High School
Oct. 27 — Plant High School
Nov. 3 – at Auburndale High School

Published July 5, 2017

Wharton track standout leaves legacy of excellence

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Bryanna Rivers’ name won’t soon be forgotten at Wharton High School.

She lays claim to three school track records — one individual, two relays.

She’s amassed 11 state track medals — the most in program history.

Wharton High senior Bryanna Rivers has earned 11 state medals — the most in the school’s track program. She has earned a full-ride Division I athletic scholarship to the University of Massachusetts.
(Kevin Weiss)

And, she’s just the second track athlete at Wharton to earn a full-ride Division I athletic scholarship — to the University of Massachusetts; the other was hurdler/sprinter Teona Rodgers, who graduated Wharton in 2007 and attended Florida State University.

Rivers, a senior, placed second in the 800-meter run at the 2017 Florida High School Track & Field State Championships, held May 5 and May 6 at IMG Academy in Bradenton.

She ran a blistering time of 2:10.51 —narrowly behind Miami Southridge’s Kayla Johnson, a University of Miami signee, who clocked 2:10.39.

For Rivers, it was both a personal record and a school record.

”That was probably my biggest accomplishment,” she said about her prep track career.

The local track star shined in other state events, too.

She placed eighth in the mile (5:12.39) and was the anchor leg of Wharton’s 4×400-meter relay that placed third (3:50.21).

Reaching — and performing well — at the highest level is certainly not foreign to Rivers.

In all four years, she’s advanced to the state finals in multiple events, earning corresponding medals.

Besides claiming school records in the 800-meter run and 4×400 (3:48.23) and 4×800 (9:22.04) relays, Rivers is second all-time in the school’s 400 meter (56.32) and 1,500 meter (5:00.95) races, and third in the 1,600 meter (5:04.80).

Wharton’s Bryanna Rivers, left, edges Riverview’s Bailey Hertenstein in the girls 800-meter run, during the Class 4A Region 2 track meet on April 29. A week later at states, Rivers finished second in the 800-meter run (2:10.51), breaking personal and school records.
(Courtesy of Tyler Copeland)

That versatility to excel in short and long distances makes Rivers unique, said Kyle LoJacono, her personal track coach.

“She’s so phenomenally athletic and gifted,” said LoJacono, who also coaches the Wharton boys track team. “She has that natural fast-twitch muscle fiber; she can pretty much be entered anywhere from six to maybe 10 events, and really help a college program.”

Her success didn’t come without some growing pains, however.

Rivers almost quit the sport entirely between her sophomore and junior years.

Though still a standout runner, she wasn’t seeing improvement dating back to her middle school years.

“I wasn’t really getting the results I needed to,” Rivers said. “I came in as an eighth- grader as a 2:14 (800 meter), and at the meets I couldn’t get under a 2:16, so I was just like really disappointed in myself.

“I was so frustrated; there’s definitely a moment where I was doubting myself and thought about stopping.”

All she needed was an altered workout regimen.

“She needed something different,” said her father, Neil Rivers. “She was basically going through three-quarters of her junior year and ran faster as a seventh-grader than she had in three years of high school.

“We had to make some tweaks and had to make some changes.”

That’s when LoJacono agreed to become her trainer, beginning April 1 of last year.

He repurposed Bryanna’s training, placing additional focus on volume running —upping mileage and pace.

He also reduced the number of races Bryanna entered.

“Even though her volume came up on her workouts, we cut her race volume — just to get her much fresher,” LoJacono explained.

Her passion for running was soon rediscovered.

The race numbers — beginning with the AAU club circuit — reflected it, too.

Last June, Bryanna finished sixth in the 800-meter run (2:12.52) in the Emerging Elite division at New Balance High School Outdoor Nationals, in Greensboro North Carolina.

Interest from college track programs ensued.

“That all of a sudden really set her recruiting world on fire; it was a very busy summer for her on the recruiting side,” Neil Rivers said.

She settled on the University of Massachusetts, located about 1,300 miles north of Tampa.

“It ended up being my favorite visit,” Bryanna Rivers said. “They really took the time to get to know me.

“Looking at my options, that was the place that would be most comfortable,” she added.

Besides track, Bryanna will run cross-country for UMass; she plans to study biology and intends to become a postpartum nurse.

One thing she’ll miss back home is the chance to run with her two siblings, sophomore Tre Rivers and freshman Nia Rivers.
“This year was the first year that all three of us ran high school at the same time; it was just so much fun,” Bryanna said.
But, she hopes her success can motivate them to earn athletic scholarships one day.

“Hopefully, I can influence them, like, ‘You can do it, if you just work hard,’” Bryanna Rivers. “I just see them have such a passion for it, and they’re just really determined.”

Meanwhile, Bryanna’s high school career isn’t totally finished.

She will again compete on the club circuit this summer, running for the Trailblazers Youth Athletic Ministry; her last prep competition is the New Balance Nationals Outdoor, on June 18.

Published May 31, 2017

 

Wesley Chapel High softball reaches first regional appearance

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The banner season for Wesley Chapel High softball isn’t quite over.

The Wesley Chapel High varsity softball team has advanced to its first regional appearance. They face the Robinson Knights (22-5) in the Class 6A Regional Quarterfinal on May 3 at 7 p.m.
(Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High Softball)

At 18-6, the Wildcats already have secured the program’s best record — and first winning season — in its 10-year history.

Now comes the school’s first playoff appearance.

The team is set to face the Robinson Knights (22-5) in the Class 6A Regional Quarterfinal on May 3 at 7 p.m.

The game, at Robinson High School in Tampa, looks to be an intriguing matchup, as both squads sport potent offenses and legitimate aces.

A slightly better offense statistically, the Knights average 7.3 runs per game, with a .344 team batting average; the Wildcats average seven runs per game, and bat .337.

In the circle, Wesley Chapel will rely upon freshman Jordan Almasy (2.91 ERA, 121 strikeouts). Robinson, though, has multiple starting pitcher options, and could turn to either junior Cassidy Renninger (0.78 ERA, 64 strikeouts) or senior Sammy Conlan (1.39 ERA, 51 strikeouts).

The main difference between the squads is experience.

Outside of one senior, the Wildcats roster consists entirely of freshman and sophomores.

The Knights, however, employ a handful of juniors and seniors, plus Conlan and Renninger.
Beyond matchups, the bigger question for Wesley Chapel is maintaining confidence after its nine-game winning streak was shattered on April 26 — an “emotional” 10-0 loss to Land O’ Lakes High in the District 7-6A finals. (Both the district champion and district runner-up qualify for regionals.)

“It was very tough on them,” Wesley Chapel head coach Steve Mumaw said, describing the impact of the defeat. “They were disappointed they didn’t play as well as they know they could’ve played.”

Land O’ Lakes High also advanced to regionals, after winning the District 7-6A title on April 26.
(Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High Softball)

Since the setback, Mumaw and his staff have strived to ensure the team doesn’t waver psychologically, during the most critical point of the season.

“I think with any athlete, you want to try to stay on an even keel as much as possible, and not be on that (emotional) roller coaster — but especially with a young team,” Mumaw explained. “That’s something that we’re trying to teach them, so that they can learn that everything doesn’t just ride on one game.

“It’s difficult for them to learn, but it’s something that as they learn and mature, then it’s going to make them a lot better in the future,” he said.

Besides the mental aspect, shoring up the team’s defense — “just all over”— and putting balls in play — “with authority”— are other priorities.

In the Land O’ Lakes loss, Wesley Chapel committed three errors, and cobbled together just four hits against Gators sophomore standout Callie Turner (0.21 ERA, 200 strikeouts).

On the upside, the Wildcats struck out just seven times against Turner, who averages about 13 strikeouts per start.

Another positive, Wesley Chapel should have more depth entering regionals, as sophomore outfielder Cassidy Middleton (broken finger) is expected to make a full return to the lineup.

Prior to her midseason injury in March, Middleton was the team leader in RBIs (10).

“She’s a very valuable outfielder,” the Wildcats coach said. “We’re just now starting to get her back where she can swing the bat without a splint on.”

No matter its playoff outcome, Wesley Chapel’s 2017 season won’t soon be forgotten.

Until now, the school’s varsity softball program never experienced a winning record.

Coaching instability and talent deficiencies yielded paltry results since the program began in 2007.

In its first five years, the Wildcats went 1-15, 2-20, 2-21, 1-22 and 2-21. Ensuing seasons were similarly frustrating, as the team went 5-14, 0-24, 2-22 and 7-17.

“It’s just incredible,” Mumaw said, of the 2017 season. “Once the season is over, I’m sure they’ll look back on it and realize all of the things that they’ve been able to accomplish this year.”

Considering the youthful makeup of the roster, Wesley Chapel figures to be competitive against each school in its district — chiefly Land O’ Lakes and River Ridge — for the next several seasons.

Future aside, the Wildcats’ focus is squarely on this week’s playoffs.

“We’re going to play as hard as we can,” Mumaw said, “and see how long we can play in it.”

Other regional softball teams in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:
Class 8A: Steinbrenner High (17-5); Wharton High (16-5)
Class 7A: Sunlake High (18-6); Gaither High (15-8)
Class 6A: Land O’ Lakes High (24-3)
Class 3A: Carrollwood Day School (10-6)
Class 2A: Academy at the Lakes (19-2)

Published May 3, 2017

Wesley Chapel softball on the rise

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The Wesley Chapel High varsity softball program has never experienced a winning season — until now.

Years of futility were dotted by coaching instability and a dearth of talent, since the program began in 2007.
In the program’s first five years, the Wildcats went 1-15, 2-20, 2-21, 1-22 and 2-21. Ensuing years were likewise taxing, as the team went 5-14, 0-24, 2-22 and 7-17.

This season, however, is unlike any other.
The Wildcats — 13-5 overall, 7-3 district — are in the midst of a complete 180, under new head coach Steve Mumaw, and an influx of young standouts.
Besides one senior, the varsity squad consists entirely of freshman and sophomores.
While chockfull of underclassman, the newfound group has proven it can compete — and defeat — any opponent in District 7-6A.
That includes Land O’ Lakes (19-3) and River Ridge (13-5), two of the toughest teams in the Tampa Bay area.
Now enjoying a four-game winning streak, the Wildcats are arguably playing their best softball yet.
“It’s all the girls. When you have talent, it’s tough to mess that up,” said Mumaw, a former baseball coach and athletic director at the school.

And, the roster — top to bottom — is loaded with it.
Seven hitters in the regular lineup are batting .333 or better.
That includes sophomore catcher Neely Peterson, who’s pacing the team with a .459 average and .630 on-base percentage.

The Wesley Chapel varsity softball team is experiencing its first winning season in program history.
(Courtesy of Gigante Productions)

“I think we’re looking pretty good right now,” said Peterson, a verbal commit to Colorado State. “It’s very different than what it was in the past.”
The pitching staff, led by freshman ace Jordan Almasy (2.62 ERA, 90 strikeouts in 77.1 innings), has also proven vital to the program’s budding success.
“We’re just going to keep making progress,” said Almasy, a verbal commit to the University of Central Florida.
“We all pick each other up — it’s a team effort,” added sophomore third baseman Ashley Nickisher.

The team’s lone senior is Dana Mumaw, the daughter of Steve Mumaw.
She’s witnessed firsthand the program’s struggles in prior years. “It was tough,” she said, bluntly.
Yet seeing the team “come together” this season has been a memorable experience, in what has otherwise been a turbulent softball career at Wesley Chapel.
“I think from the first day on, we’ve developed and gotten better, especially with a bunch of new players,” Dana Mumaw explained. “I knew we were going to be pretty good, but I didn’t know if we were going to be this good.”
Being coached by her father has proven rewarding, too.
“I love having my dad as the coach,” she said. “It’s really great…and I learn so much from him.”
With four regular season games remaining, the attention soon will focus squarely on the district tournament, beginning the week of April 24. Should the Wildcats win or finish runner-up, they’d be making their first-ever appearance at regionals.
It would be a significant feat, considering the program had never even won a district tournament game until 2016, when they upset Pasco High.
“Our goal is to advance out of districts,” Steve Mumaw said, “and see what happens.”
“We’ve got something pretty special going on here,” he added.

Published April 12, 2017

Cypress Creek football presents ‘great opportunity’

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In less than three weeks, a new high school football program will take the field in Wesley Chapel.

Like other Florida high schools, the Cypress Creek Coyotes are set to begin spring football practices on April 24.

Cypress Creek varsity football coach Mike Johnson speaks to prospective players and parents during a March 28 meet-and-greet at Wesley Chapel High School. Johnson, who was hired in January, is tasked with starting the school’s football program from scratch.
(Kevin Weiss)

But, the circumstances for this team are unique — particularly for new head coach Mike Johnson and prospective athletes.

The program faces logistical hurdles because Cypress Creek Middle High, which will pull students from both Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass high schools, is still under construction, off Old Pasco Road.

Current freshman and sophomores zoned for the school will be permitted to participate in spring football drills. But, those practices will be at Weightman Middle School, while Cypress Creek’s athletic fields remain under construction.

The weight room at the new school —measuring 2,273 square feet — likewise isn’t complete. Football equipment and protective gear hasn’t arrived, either.

Also, Johnson is the only paid high school football coach on staff.  The six assistant positions have not yet been filled.

Cypress Creek Middle High, located 8701 Old Pasco Road, will have nearly 1,500 students in grades six through 11 next year. That means no seniors in its inaugural football season.

Cypress Creek’s new football coach sees an “exciting opportunity” for the upstart program, he said.

“I think it’s an absolutely great opportunity — walking into something where you get to put your mark on it,” Johnson said. “These kids have every opportunity to do what they want with it; they can make it what they want.”

Johnson, currently a physical education teacher at Taylor Elementary, will serve as a graduate enhancement teacher at Cypress Creek during the 2017-2018 school year.

An Illinois native, Johnson moved to Florida in 2010. He most recently coached at Stuart Middle School, where the team went undefeated in his lone season. He previously had a two-year stint as an offensive line coach at Wesley Chapel High school, under former head coach Ben Alford; Alford stepped down in 2012 after going 11-19 in three seasons.

During a meet-and-greet at Wesley Chapel High School on March 28, Johnson provided program updates, while fielding football-related questions from parents and players.

Johnson’s message was optimistic: “The sky’s the limit,” he said.

Throughout the meeting, Johnson outlined pillars for the new team, along with his expectations for football families.

Academics, he said, will be a major emphasis.

So, too, is winning games and helping players reach “the next level.”

“We want to set high standards,” said Johnson, a former defensive back at Division III Eureka College in Illinois. “I’ve got to have students-athletes that want to work hard every day, and want to come to practice every day.”

Moreover, he said the program’s foundation will conform to the “5C’s”— Commitment, Consistency, Courage, Communication and Compassion.

“We will definitely develop an atmosphere, that everyone will be proud of,” he said.

Regarding offensive and defensive schemes, Johnson was relatively vague, but noted he’ll gear the Coyotes playbook towards the strengths of his eventual roster and coaching staff.

“We’ll figure that out when (the players) get out there. You’ve got to be versatile to what you have,” he said.

That includes taking suggestions from players, through his “open-door” policy.

“I want the kids to be able to come in and talk to me. I don’t want it to be where a player is afraid to come talk to me,” Johnson explained.

He added: “I want the kids to have some say in their program, how they want to start it, and how they want to build it, so they’ll be proud of it when they graduate.”

One thing he won’t do, however, is “play favorites.”

“The whole playing favorites thing is out the window. I’m going to put the best 11 on the field, and we’re going to play football.”

Cypress Creek varsity football will be designated for Class 4A for at least its first two years, according to Tim Light, the school’s assistant principal.
The team’s 2017 schedule was put together by Matt Wicks, the county’s athletic director, Light said.

A “patchwork” slate, it features teams that struggled in 2016 (Gulf and Pasco high schools), along with some perennial powerhouses (Tampa Catholic and Sunlake).

In September, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) passed a new system that bases football postseason berths on a points system in Class A-4A. The new format, beginning this season, is designed to reward teams for winning records and strength of schedule.

In the FHSAA’s biggest four classes (5A-8A), the district champion still automatically qualifies for regionals, with the remaining 16 spots decided by points.
While Cypress Creek Middle High won’t have seniors on its inaugural football team, Johnson said the school will “mold these (younger) kids into the leaders that we want them to be.

“It’s just a really good opportunity to get down to very basic stuff and get them to learn that, and not skip over anything,” he said.

Another parent meeting is expected prior to the start of spring practice.

For more information, visit CCMHS.pasco.k12.fl.us.

Other coaches hired at Cypress Creek:
Anthony Mitchell: Boys Varsity Basketball and Boys Golf
Joseph Neale: Varsity Baseball
Stacy Hill: Girls Varsity Basketball
Eliza Pasardi: Girls Cross Country
John Hoffman: Boys Cross Country and Boys Varsity Track

Cypress Creek Middle High School
Mascot: The Coyotes
School colors: Green and yellow

High School Varsity Football Schedule – Cypress Creek is 4A-Region 3
Preseason Classic — at Fivay (5A) 7 p.m.
Week 1 — Gulf (5A) 7:30 p.m.
Week 2 — Ridgewood (5A) 7:30 p.m.
Week 3 — at Hudson (5A) 7:30 p.m.
Week 4 — at Pasco (6A) 7:30 p.m.
Week 5 — Land O’ Lakes (6A) 7:30 p.m.
Week 6 — Bye
Week 7 — at Sunlake (6A) 7:30 p.m.
Week 8 — Tampa Catholic (3A) 7:30 p.m.
Week 9 — at Springstead (6A) 7:30 p.m.
Week 10 — Mulberry (4A) 7:30 p.m.
Week 11 — at Anclote (5A) 7:30 p.m.

Published April 5, 2017

Erik Thomas relishes NCAA tournament cameo

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Erik Thomas’ illustrious collegiate career is over, but the former Wesley Chapel High basketball star has no plans to step away from the court.

On March 14, the University of New Orleans Privateers suffered a heart-wrenching 67-66 loss to Mount St. Mary’s in the First Four game of the NCAA Tournament.

Erik Thomas remains Wesley Chapel’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder, leading scorer and rebounder with 2,138 points and 1,203 rebounds, respectively.
In his senior prep season, Thomas was named Class 5A Player of the Year after averaging a state-best 32.7 points per game and 16.3 rebounds per game.
(File)

The defeat was a bittersweet ending to what otherwise was a noteworthy senior season for Thomas, the 2016-2017 Southland Conference Player of the Year and the Privateers’ leading scorer (19.3 points per game), rebounder (7.8 per game) and shooter (58.9 field goal percentage).

Thanks in large part to contributions from the 6-foot-5 forward, New Orleans punched a ticket to the Big Dance for the first time since 1996. Moreover, it marked the team’s first 20-win season since 1996-1997, and its first winning season since 2008.

Despite the early exit, reaching the NCAA Tournament was quite literally “a once-in-a-lifetime experience” for Thomas.

“A lot of dudes don’t get to experience that,” Thomas said. “Just being able to make it to the First Four and represent the school, it was an excitement for all of us, and I was just happy to be there; it was a blessing.”

Along the way, Thomas, who remains Wesley Chapel’s High’s all-time leading scorer (2,138 points) and rebounder (1,203 rebounds), said he was inundated with messages of support from family and friends.

That included Doug Greseth, Thomas’ high school coach at Wesley Chapel High School.

In fact, Greseth made the 640-mile trek to New Orleans to watch Thomas’ final home game, on March 11.

“For him to come (to New Orleans), it meant a lot,” Thomas said. “It felt good to have the support there.”

Greseth, one of Pasco County’s longest-tenured boys basketball coaches, was awestruck by Thomas’ development since last coaching him during the 2012-2013 season.
That season, Thomas was named Class 5A Player of the Year after averaging a state-best 32.7 points per game and 16.3 rebounds per game.

“I got goose bumps watching him live,” Greseth said, “because I was just so proud of how much better, how much of a well-rounded player he is.

“He’s really become a complete player. He can play with his face to the basket, he can play with his back to the basket. He rebounds well. He’s always been an excellent passer, and his defense has gotten a lot better.”

Former Wesley Chapel High hoops star Erik Thomas helped lead the New Orleans Privateers to their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1996. The 2016-2017 Southland Conference Player of the Year was the Privateers’ leading scorer (19.3 points per game), rebounder (7.8 per game) and shooter (58.9 field goal percentage). He is now focusing on a professional basketball career.
(Courtesy of University of New Orleans)

Greseth, too, complimented Thomas’ unselfishness, leadership, and improved shot selection and basketball IQ.

“He really worked hard to improve,” Greseth said.

With stints at Jefferson and Okeechobee high schools, Greseth acknowledged Thomas is one of the top “two or three players” he’s ever coached during his career, which spans more than 30 years.

At Jefferson High, Greseth coached Tarence Kinsey, who was named the state’s Class 4A player of the year in 2002.
Kinsey later played for the University of South Carolina and spent two seasons in the NBA (Memphis Grizzlies in 2006-2007, Cleveland Cavaliers in 2008), before embarking on a basketball career overseas.

Thomas, likewise, is mulling a professional hoops career.

The basketball star said he’s currently searching for a sports agent, as he works towards completing his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.

In the meantime, Thomas is sharpening his hoops skills.

“I’m just trying to stay in shape and keep working on my craft,” Thomas said. “I’m always in the gym working. It doesn’t stop no matter what. Even after the season, I took a couple days’ break and then I was just back in the gym working out.”

Though the NBA appears to be a long shot, a basketball career internationally seems well within reach for Thomas.

“I definitely think he can play overseas,” Greseth said, confidently.  “I think he could play in Europe; I definitely believe he can do that.”

A four-year letterman at Wesley Chapel, Thomas helped lead the Wildcats to a combined 74-38 overall record, a 37-17 mark in district play and berths in the playoffs each year, including identical 24-5 marks with District 8-5A titles his last two years.

Despite the production and flashy statistics, Thomas was relatively overlooked as a Division I prospect out of high school.

He opted to play two seasons in junior college — East Georgia State College and Baton Rouge Community College — before transferring to New Orleans his junior season.

Many Division I schools, Greseth said, were initially concerned Thomas was too undersized to play in the frontcourt and lacked the qualities needed to transition to the backcourt.

“I’d say most Division I schools thought he was too small to play inside,” Greseth said. “I think they felt like he wasn’t a good enough shooter to play on the perimeter — I think that’s probably what got him.”

Yet, Thomas was able to augment his skills each year, Greseth added, later proving naysayers wrong.

“A lot of that is mostly him putting in the work to get better,” Greseth said. “Some kids — they don’t get any better, they peak at an early age. He just seemed to get better and better every year that he played.”

Regardless of what his future holds, Thomas said he wants to serve as a role model for others in the sport, particularly those forced to enter the junior college ranks.

“I just like to be a motivation,” Thomas said, “to everybody else that’s out there that goes through the JuCo route, or that’s gotten injured coming out of high school.”

That experience, however, served him well.

“I believe going through the process that I went through — it’s just made me a better player and made me work harder,” he said.

Published March 29, 2017

Former Wesley Chapel hoops star in NCAA Tournament

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One of the greatest prep basketball players in Pasco County history now gets to showcase his skills before millions of viewer’s in the NCAA Tournament this week.

Wesley Chapel High product Erik Thomas, a 6-foot-5 senior forward at the University of New Orleans, helped the Privateers punch a ticket to the Big Dance after downing Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in overtime, 68-65, on March 11 in the Southland Conference Championship game.

In 2013, Thomas was named Class 5A Player of the Year after averaging a state-best 32.7 points per game and 16.3 rebounds per game.
(File)

The Privateers now face Mount St. Mary’s (19-15) on March 14 at 5:30 p.m., in Dayton, Ohio. The game will be broadcast on truTV.

The automatic bid marks the school’s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 1996.

“It’s a blessing,” Thomas said, in a postgame media conference. “We played so tough and wanted it so bad. It’s a big story for us to tell 10, 20 years from now that we can tell our family that we went dancing. We went to the NCAA Tournament. Not many people can say that.”

Thomas, the Southland Conference Player of the Year, was also named SLC Tournament MVP after posting a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds to go with a team-best three assists.

In the conference tourney, Thomas averaged 16.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

New Orleans, meanwhile, finished the regular season 18-11, thanks to Thomas’ breakout season.

Thomas played in all 29 games, leading the Privateers in scoring (19.7 points per game), rebounding (7.9 per game) and shooting (60.3 field goal percentage).

He also led the team with 208 field goals, 152 free throws, and 44 steals and a 60.3 field goal percentage.

Among all Division I men’s basketball players, Thomas sits 19th in field goal percentage, 44th in scoring average, 53rd in offensive rebounds per game, 121st in total rebounds per game, 143rd in steals per game and 213th in defensive rebounds per game.

In a statement, New Orleans head coach Mark Slessinger complimented Thomas’ effort and impact to the program.

Former Wesley Chapel product Erik Thomas will be participating in the NCAA Tournament this week. He plays for the University of New Orleans.
(Courtesy of University of New Orleans)

“Erik has worked so hard since he’s gotten here,” Slessinger said. “He’s had very defined individual goals that have always been within the team framework and our team concept. I’m so proud of how much work he’s put into it. Between him, the staff and how hard our staff worked with him and his development, he’s a self-made player. But, the credit really goes to him and how hard he’s worked.”

A four-year letterman at Wesley Chapel under coach Doug Greseth, Thomas remains the school’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder with 2,138 points and 1,203 rebounds, respectively.

In his senior prep season, Thomas was named Class 5A Player of the Year after averaging a state-best 32.7 points per game and 16.3 rebounds per game.

Moreover, he helped lead the Wildcats to a combined 74-38 overall record, a 37-17 mark in district play and berths in the playoffs each year, including identical 24-5 marks with District 8-5A titles his last two years.

Despite the production and showy statistics, Thomas was relatively overlooked as a Division I prospect out of high school.

He opted to play two seasons in junior college—East Georgia State College and Baton Rouge Community College—before transferring to New Orleans his junior season.

Thomas is the younger brother of Sthefany Thomas, who scored a Pasco County girls record 2,563 points while playing at Wesley Chapel. He is also the son of James Thomas, who was a forward for two seasons for the Atlanta Hawks.

Published March 15, 2017

Hockey facility opens in Wesley Chapel

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The wait to skate is over.

Following about 2 1/2 years of construction, Florida Hospital Center Ice in Wesley Chapel has opened its doors.

Florida Hospital Center Ice facility has several National Hockey League- and Olympic-sized ice rinks. Observation points from the center’s second floor gives onlookers a great view of the action. The new business is being touted as the ‘largest ice skating facility, south of New York.’
(Fred Bellet)

The 150,500-square-foot, two-story complex, at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., is off Interstate 75 at the State Road 56 interchange in Wesley Chapel.

The facility had its “soft” opening on Jan. 26, where more than 300 people turned out for the first evening public skating session.

A ribbon cutting ceremony, meanwhile, was held on Jan. 25.

Labeled the largest ice sports facility in the Southeastern U.S., the complex’s main attraction is its five ice rinks. That includes an Olympic rink (200 feet by 100 feet), three National Hockey League-sized rinks (200 feet by 85 feet) and a mini rink; one of the NHL pads has a multipurpose floor for other sports, including soccer, inline hockey and box lacrosse.

The unveil of the highly anticipated venue has been a long time coming.

It was expected to open in October 2015. However, various permitting and technological setbacks delayed the $28 million capital investment project.

Even so, Gordie Zimmermann, managing partner of Florida Hospital Center Ice, said the facility’s development was overall “a fabulous experience.”

Florida Hospital Center Ice is now open in Wesley Chapel. The 150,500-square-foot, two-story complex is labeled the largest ice sports facility in the Southeastern U.S. It was originally expected to open in October of 2015, but permitting and technological setbacks caused delays.
(Kevin Weiss)

“It was a complicated project, and involved much patience and perseverance,” said Zimmermann, who also developed the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon. “There were a tremendous amount of people involved in this.”

He added: “We are excited…to showcase to the Tampa Bay community the most modern and high-tech skating complex in the Southeast.”

With a relative dearth of ice complexes in the Bay Area, Center Ice is forecasted as an economic driver for both Wesley Chapel and Pasco County.

Case in point: the county has five hotels in development, including two directly adjacent to the complex.

Officials believe the massive facility will attract 1.5 million to 2 million visitors annually, with 40 percent coming from outside Tampa Bay.

The facility, too, is expected to attract international hockey tournaments and non-sports activities such as dog shows and graduation ceremonies.

“This is an amazing asset we have right here in our very own backyard,” said Hope Allen, president and CEO of The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore said small and large business owners, along with hotels, restaurants and retail outlets, will benefit substantially as a direct result of the new venue.

“It will be a major destination here in Pasco county, and the entire region,” Moore said.

Florida Hospital Center Ice also received a seal of approval from the Tampa Bay Lightning, who’ve jumped aboard as program rink sponsors.

Former Lightning great Dave Andreychuk, now the organization’s vice president of corporate and community affairs, said the ice complex will buoy the sport of hockey in the region.

“There were four ice surfaces in a matter of 50 miles, until this came along,” Andreychuk said. “This is a huge opportunity for us to continue to grow the game, and for us to make sure that kids in this area have the opportunity…to learn a great game.”

He added: “This is going to be a community building that everybody here in the Wesley Chapel and Pasco area will use. It’s not just for developing kids to play hockey or girls to learn figure skating, but it’s going to be an awesome place for all of us here.”

Previously, many Pasco residents would trek to the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon to get their hockey and skating fix. Others may have used the Clearwater Ice Arena or the Tampa Bay Skating Academy in Oldsmar.

“As a resident just down the road from here, I understand what this building means,” Andreychuk said.

Laura Bohannon, a Wesley Chapel-based Realtor, said the facility is now an “anchor” for the community, and will be a windfall to local real estate sales.

“It’s huge for this area,” Bohannon said. “People want to be where there’s a new, exciting thing. People are coming here from different places because of what this (facility) has to offer.”

That effect is already apparent.

Toni Ravens, a Land O’ Lakes resident, said her family moved from Raleigh, North Carolina, last year as a direct result of the ice complex.

“We were moving to Florida, and we narrowed our search by this facility,” she said. “We promised the children before the move that they would stay in hockey.”

Though open and operable, the entire complex is still not fully complete.

The facility’s Rink B doesn’t yet have ice poured, and finishing touches are still being made to the 2,600-square-foot fitness center. The full-service restaurant, Top Shelf Sports Lounge, is slated to open sometime in February.

In total, 20 full-time and 30 part-time employees will be working at the facility.

Programming registrations are ongoing.

For more information, visit FloridaHospitalCenterIce.com.

By The Numbers

  • Capital Investment-$28 million
  • Property-13.5 acres
  • Floor Space-150,500 square feet
  • Running Track-six lanes; 90 yards
  • Locker Rooms-16
  • Benches-75
  • Rental Skates-702 pairs
  • Curling Stones-90
  • Hockey Nets-10 sets (regular and youth)
  • Sport Ice Resurfacers-3.5
  • Fixed seats in the main National Hockey League regulation rink-425
  • Audio/Video Capabilities—Four video walls and 60-plus 55-inch monitors
  • Restaurant seats-90

Facility Overview

  • One Olympic-size rink (200 feet by 100 feet)
  • Two North American standard-size rinks (200 feet by 85 feet)
  • One multipurpose sports floor/ice pad-multipurpose pad conversion
  • A 2,600-square-foot fitness facility
  • An indoor sprint track and conditioning area
  • An onsite athletic trainers and sports performance program
  • Five corporate/birthday party rooms
  • A family sport restaurant (Top Shelf Sports Lounge)
  • Snack bar
  • Pro shop (Rinkside Sports)
  • Spectator observation areas
  • Private and public locker rooms
  • A hockey skills training area
  • A revolving entrance door to control inside temperature environment

Florida Hospital Center Ice will have numerous programs and uses, including:

  • Local, regional, national and international hockey tournaments
  • University and high school teams’ practices and games
  • Recreational leagues
  • Hockey development programs
  • Roller and street hockey
  • Camps, clinics, multisport training
  • Figure skating
  • Public skating, birthday parties
  • Sled hockey
  • Curling
  • Indoor sports: box lacrosse, volleyball, basketball
  • Sports Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention programs
  • Corporate events, public meetings

Published February 1, 2017

Sophomore paces Wharton boys cross-country

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Wharton High School’s Tre Rivers is quietly making a name for himself as one of the state’s top distance runners. And, he’s just a sophomore.

The Wharton High boys cross-country team picks sophomore Tre Rivers up after he led the squad to second place in the Class 4A District 6 meet. Rivers won the individual district title at the meet. (Photos courtesy of Kyle LoJacono)
The Wharton High boys cross-country team picks sophomore Tre Rivers up after he led the squad to second place in the Class 4A District 6 meet. Rivers won the individual district title at the meet.
(Photos courtesy of Kyle LoJacono)

On Nov. 5, Rivers placed ninth in the Class 4A FHSAA Cross Country Finals at Appalachia Regional Park, crossing the finish line in 16:16.09, a 5K personal record and the fastest time of any Hillsborough County runner at the state meet.

“It was a goal I had, but I never thought it would actually happen,” Rivers humbly said of his top-10 state finish.

His secret to success?

“I just stay relaxed, said Rivers, “and just be confident.”

The rise to becoming one of the state’s top cross-country runners has been rather swift for the underclassman.

Rivers, who began running competitively at 8 years old, focused exclusively on track throughout middle school, mainly competing in sprints and middle distance races.

“Track was like my niche,” said Rivers, whose older sister, Bryanna, recently signed a track scholarship with the University of Massachusetts.

Wharton sophomore Tre Rivers (in navy shirt) won the individual district title at the Class 4A District 6 meet.
Wharton sophomore Tre Rivers (in navy shirt) won the individual district title at the Class 4A District 6 meet.

But, it wasn’t until he started high school that his penchant for running long distance was realized.

As a freshman, Rivers ran his first high school cross-country race in a rather uneventful time of 20:33, a 6:38 pace per mile. By the start of the 2016 cross-country season, however, Rivers had slashed his 5K mark to 17:34, a 5:40 pace per mile.

Wharton cross-country coach Kyle LoJacono said he knew Rivers had the ability to be a “very strong runner,” but first had to gear his training regimen towards longer, sustained runs that incorporated cross country terrains, like hills and trails.

“We knew that once we got his distance base built back up that he was going to really cut (time),” LoJacono said.

“With him, the longer it is, usually the better.”

Rivers, who now holds the school’s sophomore 5K record, is eyeing the Wharton all-time record of 15:55, set in 2005, by Ryan Courtoy.

Tre Rivers outkicks Plant junior Walker Thomas to the finish during the Class 4A District 6 meet this year. Rivers won the individual district title at the meet.
Tre Rivers outkicks Plant junior Walker Thomas to the finish during the Class 4A District 6 meet this year. Rivers won the individual district title at the meet.

“That would definitely be within his reach,” said LoJacono, “especially with the fact that we know his work ethic is going to continue.”

That work ethic, LoJacono said, often helped inspire Rivers’ fellow teammates throughout a grueling cross-country season.

“He never, ever cheats you on a workout. He will give max effort,” LoJacono said. “He kind of sets that standard for everybody else, and because he works so hard every single day, it gives everybody else that goal.”

It surely worked, as Wharton reached the state finals for the first time since 2008, finishing in ninth place (out of 20 teams).

“What really was the key,” said LoJacono, “was Tre being that No. 1 every single day.”

“He gets stronger as the race goes on,” the Wharton’s third-year coach added.

“It really kind of allows everybody else to do the same thing, because they see, ‘Wow, look at that,’” LoJacono said.

With no seniors on the roster, the Wildcats’ recent success — like Rivers’—doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon.

All of Wharton’s other top runners are expected to return in 2017, including: Noah Damjanovic (17:18.91 at states), Sahil Deschenes (17:30.46), Frank Goldbold (17:34.72), Casey Pleune (17:46.76), Denarius Murphy (18:44.99) and Ryan Anders (19:18.20).

“This groups wants to establish itself.” LoJacono said.

In the meantime, Rivers will look to continue his success this spring — on the track.

Last season, he set school track records for freshman in the 3,200-meter (9:58.68), 1,600-meter (4:36.14) and 800-meter (2:07.83) races.

“I really can’t live without the other,” Rivers said of competing in both track and cross-country.

Published November 23, 2016

Freedom golf reaches 3A state tourney

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For the second time in school history, the Freedom High varsity boys golf team has reached the state tournament.

Collectively strong postseason performances were enough to earn an FHSAA 3A tournament berth, the program’s first since 2013.

The Patriots captured their fourth consecutive district title on Oct. 10, and followed up with a second-place regional finish on Oct. 17 at Lansbrook Golf Club in Palm Harbor.

The Freedom High School varsity boys golf team reached states for the second time in school history. From left: Cy Storlien, Nick Mitchell, coach Michael Passarelli, Tyler Bray, Sam Smith and Cooper Smith. (Courtesy of Freedom High School)
The Freedom High School varsity boys golf team reached states for the second time in school history. From left: Cy Storlien, Nick Mitchell, coach Michael Passarelli, Tyler Bray, Sam Smith and Cooper Smith.
(Courtesy of Freedom High School)

“It’s a pretty big achievement,” said Nick Mitchell, one of the team’s three seniors. “We’re really glad we achieved the goal that we set last year, knowing that we had a really high-caliber team for this year.

“We’ve definitely gotten more comfortable during the season,” he added.

Fellow senior Tyler Bray—the lone holdover from the 2013 state team — believes that this 2016 squad will have an improved showing over the team three years ago, when the the Patriots finished last (out of 16 teams) at the two-day, 36-hole tournament.

“This year, we’ve had some really good players, and I feel like this team is better than that team,” Bray said.

Michael Passarelli, Freedom’s golf coach, said the group’s success lies in its consistency since August.

“They’ve been playing well all year,” Passarelli said. “What we’ve finally done at the end of the year is we kind of put it (all) together.

“They’ve improved, and they’ve stayed within themselves.”

The 3A state tournament, which runs through Oct. 26, is played at the El Campeon Course at the Mission Inn Resort & Club in Orlando.

The highly regarded course, which features elevation changes of more than 85 feet, often proves challenging for even elite golfers.

The course, Passarelli said, differs from others the team has played this season.

“The thing that separates it from what we play is the elevation difference,” he said. “You’re shooting uphill, you’re shooting downhill, and the greens are tough and fast. There are really no courses around (Tampa Bay) that we have played that come anything close to what you see there.”

He added: “You can’t have a specific strategy when some guys are hitting 50, 60 or 70 yards longer than others. It’s going to be very different for some of these kids.”

Mitchell, who played the course over the summer, noted El Campeon has a “pretty tough layout.”

“It’s pretty high-rated, a very positional course,” Mitchell said. “Distance and short game are definitely key.”

Trying to “not shoot to a number” is also crucial, Passarelli said.

“That’s the biggest thing that we worked on,” he said. “It’s just hit your next shot and that’s it.

“We looked at the scores from all the regional contenders, and they know they can play with any of them. But, you can’t control what the other guys do.”

Perhaps most important is enjoying the overall experience.

“It’s about having fun. That’s seriously a big part of this as well,” said Passarelli. “Last time we went (to states), we kind of got beat up.”

He added: “If they’re relaxed, they’ll play well.”

Freedom boys golf roster:
Tyler Bray, senior (4-year letterman, 2014 District 3A-10 champion, 2015 District runner-up)
Nick Mitchell, senior (3-year letterman)
Cooper Smith, freshman
Sam Smith, senior (2-year letterman)
Cy Storlien, junior (3-year letterman, 2015 District 3A-10 champion, 2016 District 3A-10 champion)

District results at Hunter’s Green Golf & Country Club
Freedom Patriots team score: 309 (first place)
Individual scores:
Cy Storlien-73
Tyler Bray-77
Cooper Smith-77
Sam Smith-82
Nick Mitchell-83

Regional results at Lansbrook Golf Club in Palm Harbor
Freedom Patriots team score: 313 (second place)
Individual scores:
Cy Storlien-73
Cooper Smith-77
Tyler Bray-82
Nick Mitchell-81
Sam Smith-83

Other locals: Gaither freshman Tyler Wilkes is competing in the 3A state golf tournament as an individual. Wilkes won the Class 3A, Region 4 tournament on Oct. 17, shooting a 72.  Wesley Chapel High’s Ben Wolfman (senior) and Sunlake High’s Travis Wells (senior) will compete in the Class 2A state golf tournament on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.

Published October 26, 2016