Zephyrhills and East Pasco Sports

Zephyrhills football readies to continue its winning ways

August 29, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Even though the Zephyrhills High football team has only ever played one region final game in program history, it will still play — or at least treat — every game as a region final.

That’s the mentality the Bulldogs (0-1) will use entering the 2023 season, which started Aug. 25.

Senior safety Fred Maixner was second on the team with 80 tackles and also had a sack and two forced fumbles in 2022. (Mike Camunas)

Coming off the team’s best season in its long and storied history, in which it lost to eventual state champion Lake Wales 26-9 in the Class 3 Suburban Region 2 final, the Bulldogs return many of their star players, all of whom have high expectations to replicate — if not extend further — a season ago.

“We have those goals every year, but we have to take the steps to get where we want to be after seeing who we have and how we can get where we want to be,” said eighth-year head coach Nick Carroll, who has compiled a 62-21 record. “We always need to find our identity as a team.

Zephyrhills junior and four-star recruit D.J. Pickett led the Bulldogs in receiving in 2022, hauling in 43 catches for 886 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also having four interceptions at defensive back as the team made its first region final appearance in program history.

“Last year,” he continued, “we didn’t think we’d run the ball, but then we did and did well, so as coaches, we have to get together and adapt throughout the season. I think that’s no different this year, too.

“Every year, we have high expectations, every year our goal is to get to the region final and even past that and make it to the state semifinal tournament.”

The Bulldogs got their first test in Week 1, having a rematch hosting Lake Wales, but finding its third loss in as many meetings in the past calendar year.

Zephyrhills is also in District 7 with Wesley Chapel (0-10 in 2022), Cypress Creek (7-3) and 9-Mile War rival Pasco (9-2). The Bulldogs were district champs by sweeping those three teams, but know each week is still tough.

Eighth-year Zephyrhills head coach Nick Carroll, right, listens to Bulldogs linebackers coach Tom McHugh go over some play calling during a practice on Aug. 22. Carroll led the Bulldogs to their first region final appearance in 2022.

“I’m not saying we’re just going to blow by Chapel or Pasco or any team, but we’re just focused on the next game,” said star junior receiver and four-star recruit D.J. Pickett, who had 43 catches for 886 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022. “Basically, if we put the work in — our standards are high this year — and if we want to be loyal to our standards, we need to put the work in it to keep it up.”

Pickett added, the offense — which scored 63 touchdowns with more than 4,000 yards of total offense in 2022 — is looking sharp, but still working on a few things at practice. The offense includes the returns of senior quarterback Brendyn Colella (102-for-170 passing, with 1,700 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions) and senior running back Rodney Smith (1,142 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns).

Senior offensive lineman Logan Lagrone returns to anchor an offensive line that scored 63 touchdowns with more than 4,000 yards of total offense in 2022.

On the defensive side, Carroll expects the unit “to fly around the field,” as it returns some of its standout stars, such as safety Fred Maixner (80 tackles), linebacker Lukas Colella (59 tackles) and even Pickett, who had a team-high four interceptions at defensive back.

“We lost some guys, sure, some offensive lineman and guys on defense, and it takes some time to replace guys,” Carroll said. “Every year is different, and there’s no off week in a tough district and our non-district teams are also very good.

“We have a lot of tough games.”

But Maxiner added, with confidence: “I think our defense is the best in the district, best in the county. I believe in those guys. I expect nothing more or less than what we did last year. Sure, we lost a few guys, but I feel we have more than enough skill to go ever further (than last year).

“I think we could make a run at states — I truly believe that.”

First things first.

Zephyrhills senior quarterback Brendyn Colella returns under center after leading the Bulldogs to a region final appearance, thanks to going 102-for-170 passing, with 1,700 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

After facing Lake Wales again, the team will face other non-district opponents such as Land O’ Lakes, The Villages and South Sumter. Plus, the Bulldogs still have to get out of its district, even if Wesley Chapel and Pasco are starting with new head coaches.

Cypress Creek, on the other hand, returns such offensive stars as quarterback Jack Niemann (1,834 passing yards, 20 touchdowns) and running back Malachi Askin (13 rushing touchdowns).

Still, the Bulldogs have high expectations.

“I think we’re what all the county sees — the No. 1 team, and we like that spot and we’re going to try to keep that spot and go even further and show people we can play outside this county,” Maixner said.

His coach agrees, with Carroll adding having the best season in program history — the team’s first region final — means teams are all looking to knock off the Bulldogs.

“I definitely think it’s more that everyone wants to beat us now, with big bullseyes on our backs,” Carroll said. “Just like anything else, we can’t be complacent, or you’ll lose. We have to treat every game like it’s the region final every week, because we feel everyone is doing the same when they face us.”

2023 Zephyrhills High Football Schedule
Aug. 25 – vs. Lake Wales – L: 29-7
Sept. 1 – at The Villages
Sept. 8 – vs. Wiregrass Ranch
Sept. 15 – at Land O’ Lakes
Sept. 22 – vs. Gulf
Sept. 29 – vs. Wesley Chapel
Oct. 6 – at South Sumter
Oct. 13 – vs. Pasco
Oct. 27 – at Cypress Creek
Nov. 3 – at Dunnellon

Published August 30, 2023

Going ‘ape’ over trail running

August 22, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Joe Fuller wants to be clear — he doesn’t believe in the legend.

The Legend of the Skunk Ape, a.k.a. The Florida Bigfoot.

Avid trail runners push through the darkness with the help of body lights, during Skunk Ape Events’ fourth annual Night Run at Dade City’s Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area on July 22. (Courtesy of Joe Fuller)

Despite there being several reported sightings of Skunk Ape since the 1960s — including in the Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area, where Fuller calls his home trail-running track — Fuller isn’t worried about running into the supposed 6-foot-9, 600-pound, foul-smelling, hairy, ape-like creature, which, according to lore, ran upright on two legs, occasionally near Dade City.

“I don’t (believe in it), but I thought the name was perfect since we do all the races in the Green Swamp,” the former Saint Leo cross-country runner said. “I went on a lot of long runs in there, always really enjoyed it, and I would still run out there after graduating.

“There was no one ever out there except me,” Fuller added. “I never saw many people on those trails, but I wanted to bring people to them so they can love them and enjoy them as much as I do.

“It was a lot of great miles to share with people.”

That’s why, in 2018, Fuller founded Skunk Ape Events — as a way to connect the running community and show his fellow avid runners, of both trail and ultra events, the beautiful, natural splendor of the Green Swamp.

Jon Kier, of Naples, is awarded as the overall winner by Skunk Ape Events founder Joe Fuller, at the Night Run on July 22.

Fuller wanted to share what he saw with every run through the Green Swamp Trails, but he also wanted it to be all-inclusive. When Skunk Ape hosts runs, it’s a “come one, come all atmosphere.”

“It doesn’t matter what pace you run, your size and shape, experience level,” he added. “Or whether you run the entire race, walk the whole thing, or crash and burn. What does matter is that the runners are experiencing an enjoyable time on the trails, surrounded by those who are supportive and empowering.

“We do get a lot of those who have not tried trail running, but the events are very laid back, very inviting for all.”

One major difference from Skunk Ape running events and others is that Fuller says he will wait at the finish line for every runner, whether they’re in first or last. It’s a no-pressure atmosphere for those who just want to run through the Green Swamp terrain that features such elements as a grass plain field, cypress areas and even rolling hills with sugar sand.

“It might be just my dad and I waiting for you, but we won’t take down the finish line until the last person has crossed,” Fuller said. “We have no time cutoffs. We want anyone who can finish to have that finish-line moment. There are slower runners, and there is nothing wrong with that. Even if it’s 1 or 2 a.m., everything — the flags, line, tables, food and water — will be there for whoever finishes.”

Women’s winner Deanna Doane, of Jacksonville Beach, who also set the new women’s course record, is awarded by Skunk Ape Events founder Joe Fuller.

And while the finished runners wait, they’ll mingle about at the post-race potluck, in which every runner provides food or drinks.

Fuller says just about every race in the past year has sold out, which he credits to the trails and running-community atmosphere. But also the price to participate.

Fuller pointed out when he graduated from college, he found many running events were out of his price range.

“They were too expensive for me,” he added. “So, I think this is a race that anyone in any situation can and will find affordable. With this running community, these are more like events than a race, which I think people like a lot, too.”

That much was evident when Skunk Ape hosted its fourth annual Night Run on July 22, which brought hundreds out to the Green Swamp to see runners complete a 30K course. The run started at 7 p.m., giving the runners about two hours of daylight before switching over to body lights and finishing the race in near total darkness.

“When the sun goes down,” Fuller said, “the runners will experience listening to the drone of frogs from all over the swamp, hoots from the owls, calls from birds, buzzing of bugs and, sometimes, the yips of coyotes in the distance.”

The event, which was kicked off by Dade City Commissioner Ann Cosentino, had winners in age groups from 20 to 70 and even raised more than $500 for a local Title 1 school so kids in the running programs can afford shoes or cross-country spikes for the upcoming school year.

It was another Skunk Ape Events race as legendary as its namesake.

Hundreds of avid runners joined in Skunk Ape Events’ fourth annual Night Run in Dade City’s Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area. Runners came to tackle the 30K course and enjoy the post-race potluck party. Skunk Ape Events, started in 2018 by former Saint Leo cross country runner Joe Fuller, looks to promote trail and ultra running locally and in Florida, even going as far as waiting until every runner crosses the finish line.

“The thing that brings the trail-running community together is the environment, both on the trail and runners,” Fuller said. “Most likely, if you look at the runner in first and in second, if one of them falls down, the other is going to go back and help the runner that fell. You see that a lot, especially on trail running.

“So, the most rewarding part, for me, as the race director, is to see people finish and have that finish-line moment,” he added. It’s all about the supporters and runners and volunteers that create the environment, make the magic happen.

“As long as a Skunk Ape sighting doesn’t happen.”

Wild Boar Night Run – Half Marathon, presented by Skunk Ape Events
When: Sept. 16
Where: Green Swamp – West Tract, 13347 Ranch Road, Dade City
Cost: $20 and a potluck
Details: A casual, old-school race with no time cutoffs. Runners will run a cross-country trail and return back for a potluck recovery meal and celebration.
For more information on upcoming events or to register, visit SkunkApeEvents.weebly.com.

Published August 23, 2023

They just keep ‘shuffling’ along

February 14, 2023 By Mike Camunas

They mingle as singles — single players, that is.

At the Zephyrhills Shuffleboard Club, the longtime recreational staple in East Pasco, shuffling members can be found there daily, in the morning, in the afternoon and even in the evenings, sliding their discs away.

Chuck Moulton, the Zephyrhills Shuffleboard Club treasurer and webmaster, elegantly slides a disc to the other side of the narrow court. Moulton, like many other members, such as Fred Litzman, behind, who leans to see the shot, can be found almost daily at the club, either practicing slides, enjoying afternoon frolics or participating in the many tournaments at the club. (Mike Camunas)

Some are prepping for tournaments, others are just there for some fun, low-impact activity, while making new friends on the courts.

Some gather at the club’s Mingles/Singles event held every Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

“We always have a good turnout on these mornings,” said Frank Pogel III, event leader and a member on the club’s board. “There are both amateurs and the professional players here, and mixing it up just benefits the amateurs.”

During Mingles/Singles, players are randomly paired with a partner during each of the four games they play before lunch. Then each will go after the 50/50 pot, as Pogel, and treasure Chuck Moulton, say that this bi-weekly event, alone, raises about $6,000 each year.

“As you can see, we get plenty of players here for these morning sessions. It’s always a good time,” Moulton said.

During play, friendly banter will ensue, with plenty of laughs, fake trash talking, and, of course, great play — even by players in their 90s.

During a Wednesday session of Mingles/Singles, Jerry Branham prepares to make a slide down the court, with his miniature playbook of the shuffleboard pyramid in hand.

“Yeah, we’ve got a few of those, including a guy who comes out and he’s 96,” Pogel said. “Sometimes, you just can’t keep these people from shuffling.”

Zephyrhills Shuffleboard Club Mingles/Singles
When: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.
Where: 5209 Eighth St., Zephyrhills
Cost: $5
Details: Open to amateur and professional-level shufflers, Mingles/Singles is a draw-of-the-hat-pairing bi-weekly play that has players team up with a random partner for each of the four games played. The buy-in is put into a 50/50 pot split with the winners and the club.
History: Zephyrhills Shuffleboard Club (ZSC) was formed on April 4, 2007 after member Bob Perkins purchased the facility from the Zephyrhills Tourist Club. On Feb. 27, 2011, Perkins decided to transfer the deed title over to the ZSC members through the newly formed not-for-profit corporation, ZSC Inc. Zephyrhills Shuffleboard Club is the only member-owned and open shuffleboard facility in Zephyrhills with no resident restrictions and welcomes all shufflers to join.
Membership: Single – $50; Couple – $85; Monthly (2 month minimum) – $20
Info: Visit ZephyrhillsShuffle.com.

Published February 15, 2023

Dave Stoops completes a big slide of the disc at Zephyrhills Shuffleboard Club.

Zephyrhills Shuffleboard Club member Joanne McLean intently studies her slide of the disc during a session of Mingles/Singles.

Guy Rose makes a sly slide of the disc down the shuffleboard court.

Neta Den Otter, left, and Joel Bostin are all smirks during some shuffling at Zephyrhills Shuffleboard Club.

While awaiting her turn, Linda Marshman monitors discs on her side of the court and indicates to her playing partner where the shot landed.

Don Hiar diligently marks down the score during a shuffleboard match.

Still the champs, after 30 years

December 20, 2022 By Mike Camunas

To this day, Perry Brown still can’t believe it.

He can’t believe it happened, and the Hall of Fame football coach can’t believe it’s still the only time it happened.

“Back in 1991,” the former Pasco High Football coach said, “when we made a good run, but lost to Santa Fe, (myself and the coaches) would go to coaching clinics and they would say, ‘Perry, you did a great job, but you won’t win a state championship — because Pasco County is just not a football county.’

The trophy awarded to the 1992 Pasco High Football State Champion Team. (Mike Camunas)

“And you get butterflies, just thinking about something of that magnitude — an undefeated team, with the fear of letdown, that if you don’t get this one, well, what a season it was, but you’re still second best.”

Brown paused, then said, “If I remember anything about that game, it’s the final score. … I really thought someone, if not Pasco (High) again, would have (a state title) by now.”

On Dec. 18, the 1992 Pasco Pirates football team celebrated its 30th anniversary of the school’s, and county’s, only state football title.

There was no parade down Seventh Avenue or special ceremony at a home game at W.F. Edwards Stadium.

Instead, players and coaches — many with deep ties and still living in the Dade City community — reflected on that fateful night in Gainesville when the Pirates (14-0) defeated Tampa Jesuit 28-16 for the AAA state championship.

“How can I explain it? — one of the best things of my life. One of the best things I’ve ever accomplished and the one thing I honestly know I started and finished all the way,” said Jackie Tucker, a former nose guard who graduated in 1994. “I’m getting butterflies now just thinking about it and the community love from then — that’s what I got out of it.

“And there should have been more (state titles). Could have been three — a dynasty. It’s still crazy that there hasn’t been another one.”

Crazier still is that Pasco (491-360-20), as the most successful postseason team (19-17) in the county, is the only other county team to even come close to winning a state title.

Brad Starling, an assistant coach on the 1992 team, holds up his ring awarded to him, the players and the rest of the coaching staff for winning the state title.

In fact, no other Pasco County football team has made the state tournament, or the final four teams in their classification. Mitchell and Land O’ Lakes have both come close, but fallen in the region final round. Even 9 Mile War rival Zephyrhills has joined that fray, losing in the region final this season 26-9 to Lake Wales on Nov. 25.

“It’s — how can I say? — bragging rights in a way,” Tucker said. “The only one that did it all. You think in 30 years someone would have, but it’s nuts no one has.”

In 1983, the Pirates were 12-1, but fell one game shy of the state final, losing to Palatka 18-13. And in 1991, prior to the championship run, Pasco was handed a 35-16 loss by Santa Fe, ending in another 12-1 season.

“When I went (to Pasco), of course, it was starting from scratch, and we struggled the first year — the second year, we won eight games, so it was a process,” said Brown, who went 58-22 from 1989 to 1995 as the Pirates head coach. “In 1992, we pushed those kids pretty hard.”

It was just 11 years ago that Pasco was in the midst of another storybook season, as a dominating, undefeated team that looked destined for, at least, a state final appearance. The team was led by former head coach Tom McHugh and incredible all-around player Janarion Grant, but it lost a heartbreaking, triple-overtime game to Wakulla.

“I was rooting for that team,” Brown said. “I was even at that game. … Those kids, they’re trying to win a state title, too, and you want them to succeed.

First-year Pasco High Football coach Alphonso Freeney, who guided the Pirates to a 9-2 record and a return to the postseason this season, holds up a framed photo of the 1992 state team that will be hung in the team’s fieldhouse on campus.

“But someone tried to tell me (the 2011) team could beat our (1992) team … and I was like, ‘I don’t know about that. Maybe.’ I like to think we had more grit.”

That grit came in the form of the coaches holding players accountable, even if it meant literally dragging them from bed for early-morning practices.

“You, as a player and teenager, wanted to sleep in,” Tucker said. “But sometimes you’d wake up and coach would be standing over you in bed. … Whenever we did have adversity, it was easy to overcome because the coaches, who had been with us through PAL and middle school, were like uncles.”

There certainly was adversity, most notably right before the state championship game. Just days before the game, quarterback Isaac Johnson, who would pass for 124 yards and a touchdown, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for assault.

Johnson spent the night at the Land O’ Lakes detention center and was released just 12 hours before the game. He was rushed to Dade City, just as the team was headed out on the bus through downtown, with nearly every resident and citizen sending them off in style.

“With Isaac getting arrested, it kind of rallied us together,” said Pasco 1994 grad and the team’s kicker and punter, Brent Lockliear. (He went on to play for Ball State and lives in Indianapolis to this day).

“It was the us-against-everyone-else mentality, where they’re even trying to take our quarterback and shut us down.

“But all the way to Gainesville, we would see banners they had put up on I-75 to support us. … It was just incredible, with an incredible team,” Lockliear said.

The Pirates and the county’s other high school teams share the collective desire to bring home another state championship to the county, but for now — after 30 years, the only champs remain in Dade City.

The historic 1992 Pasco Pirates.

“I was fishing once, with one of my coaches, and he got a call and said he was with one of the players from the 1992 championship,” Lockliear said. “So, 25 years later, you’re still referred to as a player on the state championship — that’s a big honor. “For the guys who still live in Dade City, every day they are looked on as part of the only state championship.”

“Everyone wanted (the title) bad, as bad as us, even former players (at the time),” Tucker added. “We’re looked at as the legacy, which will always mean something in this city.”

Even so, Brown said: “It would not break my heart to see another team, especially Pasco, win a state championship.”

Published December 21, 2022

Running down a record

October 11, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Will Poe knew the exact time.

He also knew the exact runner.

Because it’s a runner he’s trying to catch.

“Jose Espinosa. 16 minutes, 10 seconds,” the Zephyrhills High junior distance runner said, without a second thought.

Poe is referring to the 18-year-old school record Espinosa set for the fastest 5K run in 2004.

Will Poe, a junior distance runner at Zephyrhills High, is on the verge of breaking an 18-year-old school record for the fastest 5K run, which is held by Jose Espinosa, when the former Bulldog ran a 16:10 in 2004. (Mike Camunas)

“I don’t remember the year, but it was a long time ago, and I’ve been eyeing it for a while,” the distance runner said.

And, he is getting close.

With a 26th place in last year’s cross-country state tournament and his personal best time already at 16:26, Poe is on the verge of setting a new Bulldogs record.

However, his season was nearly derailed when he broke his toe over the summer, making everyone, including his coach, catch their breath.

“It was definitely a scary moment because his dad (Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe) told me, and I was like, ‘Oh … well this is going to be fun!’” second-year coach Matt Page said. “Luckily, it didn’t impact him or his season at all and it’s all water under the bridge now.

“You don’t want to hear it happen to any of your runners, and certainly not your top guy.”

Poe, himself, definitely was worried.

“My cousin broke his toe like a year ago and he had to get surgery, and it messed up the tendons and stuff, so I was pretty nervous I had messed up my foot for running on it,” he said. “But it healed up pretty nice and quick.”

After a collective sigh of relief, Poe went back to work on his goals. Those include not just breaking the school record, but also a return to the state tournament on Nov. 5 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee.

But first, there’s the little matter of the competition.

Poe’s biggest competitor has been Sunlake senior Alex Pena, arguably Pasco County’s top runner, who recently posted a 15:30 at the 40th Annual Spanish River XC Invitational in Boca Raton on Sept. 16.

However, with new Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) classifications this season, Sunlake moves up to Class 4A, while Zephyrhills stays in 3A. This helps both Poe and the Bulldogs, because the Seahawks and Pena both finished third as a team and individually in the 2021 state championships.

Yet, runners remain that Poe will try to catch or pace. Cypress Creek senior Zach Poekert is one of those. Poekert finished sixth at states last year, as well as second at the Spanish River Invite, just 11 seconds behind Pena.

There’s also River Ridge senior Chase Thurber, who was chasing Poe at the St. Leo Abbey Invitational on Sept. 24. Poe finished fifth (16:36) and Thurber was seventh (16:37).

In that same race, Cypress Creek junior Dylan Powell finished eighth (16:43), while Wiregrass Ranch junior Hunter Boggs also cracked the top 20 with a 17:06.

“I’ve been battling it out (with those guys) all year and for a long time,” Poe said. “They are my biggest competitors.”

Page, however, says Poe is an easy runner to coach.

“I don’t really have to show him anything, which is great,” said Page, who was a distance runner at Pasco High. “The other day, he literally told me, ‘You’re running with me,’ and so, we ran from Lowe’s in Zephyrhills to Winn-Dixie in Dade City, which is 10 miles. I’m a little sore, but it was fun.”

As much fun as it is to have a coach who can keep up, Poe is focused on one thing between now and Nov. 5.

And that’s to have a place on the podium that day.

“I’ve put a lot of work into this season, so hopefully I can get 15th place or better at states and break the school record at states,” Poe said. “The top 15 runners get on the podium and get a medal. It’s that position or higher, or nothing. That is what I’ve been running for all season.”

Cross-Country Postseason:

Sunshine Athletic Conference Tournament
When: Oct. 15
Where: Sunlake High, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Details: This is the annual conference tournament for all Pasco County High School boys and girls cross-country teams.

District Tournaments
Class 4A-District 3
Host: Plant High
When: Oct. 20, 8 a.m.
Where: Rogers Park Golf Course, 7910 N. 30th St., Tampa
Teams: Alonso, Armwood, Bartow, East Lake, George Jenkins, Steinbrenner, Haines City, Land O’ Lakes, Largo, Mitchell, Palm Harbor University, Plant, Plant City, Ridge Community, Sickles, Strawberry Crest, Sunlake, Wharton, Winter Haven, Wiregrass Ranch

Class 3A-District 4
Host: Citrus High
When: Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Whispering Pines Park, 1700 Forest Dr., Inverness
Teams: Belleview, Citrus, Cypress Creek, Fivay, Gulf, Lake Minneola, Lecanto, Leesburg, Pasco, River Ridge, Springstead, Tavares, Vanguard Ocala, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills

Class 3A-District 5
Host: King High
When: Oct. 18, 5 p.m.
Where: Mary Help of Christians Center, 6400 E. Chelsea St., Tampa
Teams: Blake, Boca Ciega, Brandon, Clearwater, Countryside, East Bay, Freedom, Gaither, Hillsborough, Hollins, Jesuit, King, Leto, Middleton, Northeast, Osceola, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Spoto, St. Petersburg

Class 2A-District 5
Host: Robinson High
When: Oct. 19, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Mary Help of Christians Center, 6400 E. Chelsea St., Tampa
Teams: Anclote, Bell Creek, Berkeley Prep, Brooks-DeBartolo, Calvary Christian, Carrollwood Day, Chamberlain, Clearwater Central Catholic, Davenport, Discovery, Dunedin, Four Corners, Gibbs, Hudson, Jefferson, Lakewood, McKeel, Mulberry, Robinson, Tampa Catholic, Tarpon Springs, Tenoroc

Class 1A-District 3
Host: Oak Hall
When: Oct. 18, 9 a.m.
Where: Alligator Lake, 420 Southeast Alligator Glen, Lake City
Teams: Bishop McLaughlin

Class 1A-District 5
Host: Indian Rocks Christian
When: Oct. 20, 8 a.m.
Where: Taylor Park, 1100 Eighth Ave., SW, Largo
Teams: Academy at the Lakes

Regional Meets
When: Oct. 26 thru Oct. 29
Where: Various Sites

State Championships
When: Nov. 5
Where: Apalachee Regional Park, 7550 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee

For more information visit, FHSAA.com/sports/cross.

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

Published October 12, 2022

Hoopsters seek to elevate their skills

August 23, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Colin Bolinger was coaching travel ball, but not the traditional way.

As coach of Chapel Rip City, which are AAU basketball teams, for the past eight years, Bolinger rented out gyms and spaces to practice.

When COVID hit, it was more difficult to rent out those gyms, mainly because they were at local schools.

At Hoops Heaven, Evan Butler gets set to shoot during a basketball training class. (Mike Camunas)

“Finally, it just came down to a desperate need to get a place for the kids, so I opened this place in October,” said the former Indiana State shooting guard.

He was referring to Hoops Heaven, an indoor training facility for basketball players of all skill levels.

Bolinger runs five teams — elementary boys, middle school boys and girls, JV boys and varsity boys — with Chapel Rip City.

Hoops Heaven has now become a place to identify players looking to not only take their game to the next level, but to also join those teams.

“Having the youth development league really gives us a way to identify kids here that want to join AAU, so that allows us just to lead them into it,” he said.

Jaylin Gordon, an athlete at Hoops Heaven (an indoor basketball training facility in Zephyrhills), concentrates on his dribbling skills during an evening class.

The facility, he said, provides an opportunity to find youths who have a keen interest in basketball.

“There is nothing like this around our area, nothing like that out here in Zephyrhills, and I’ve seen the huge growth in Wesley Chapel and just knew that there would be kids coming to me for basketball,” Bolinger added.

Being a native of Indiana, Bolinger has basketball in his blood. He was a graduate assistant coach at Indiana State, the storied program where basketball legend Larry Bird played. Bolinger also played for the last Sycamore team to make the NCAA Tournament in 2011.

And as a coach, Bolinger doesn’t focus primarily on winning. Of course, that’s the desire of all players and coaches, but his main interest is working with players to help them develop the skills to succeed on the court, no matter where they compete.

“I want these players to learn how to play the game from a complex level,” he said. “I definitely know that I approach (teaching) differently than a lot of coaches — I give the kids a lot of stuff, but I’m trying to make it where they can be successful under any coach.

Colin Bolinger teaches basketball skills to aspiring players at Hoops Heaven, a training facility in Zephyrhills.

“Some coaches are focused on getting them to win right this moment, and that’s not what we do here, which I know takes some getting used to on the players’ part.”

Once they buy into the philosophy, however, players are embracing Bolinger’s style, and then succeed in improving their skills.

“They teach you how to work on your handling a lot and they have a lot of great drills,” said Joe Brunfeld, who has been training at Hoops Heaven for six months now.

“I think they try to work you pretty hard, but in a smart way. More so where it’s helpful for your whole game and not just one certain part of it. I think my game has improved from being here,” the teenager said.

The players’ parents are seeing the results, too.

“She’s picking up good habits and fundamentals, and it’s something she loves to do,” said Delano Howson, whose daughter, Kayden, trains at Hoops Heaven. “Before she got here, she knew how to shoot and stuff, but is now putting it all together — like dribbling with both hands and making proper layups. The improvement has been (like) night and day.

“And,” Howson added, “having this right here in Zephyrhills, where she can meet some kids, too, is absolutely the best.”

In the end, Bolinger is trying to coach his players the best way he knows how.

“I try to give them the baseline so they can go to any program, any team, any coach and know what to do,” he said. “It’s a lot different than just working on layups. That’s important, but it’s also a little higher concept, so it doesn’t just look like a bunch of crowded kids running down the court.”

Hoops Heaven
Details: An indoor basketball training facility that teaches players of all skills the fundamentals, and offers camps, as well as parties.
Where: 40417 Chancey Road, Zephyrhills
Info: Visit TheHoopsHeaven.com, call 812-841-6042, or email .

Published August 24, 2022

Young basketball player Niko Figueroa works on his passing skills during a drill at Hoops Heaven.

Miley Sommers shoots a three-pointer during a skills class at Hoops Heaven in Zephyrhills.

Kayden Howson takes a long-range shot at Hoops Heaven in Zephyrhills.

Young basketball player Major Simmons is focused on developing his budding basketball skills at Hoops Heaven, an indoor basketball training facility in Zephyrhills.

Fabrizio Lacicco practices his dribbling skills at Hoops Heaven, in Zephyrhills.

Ellis Johnson passes the ball during a skills class at Hoops Heaven, an indoor basketball training facility in Zephyrhills.

They be jammin’ to gymnastics

August 16, 2022 By Mike Camunas

It tumbled right into Zephyrhills’s airport district.

JAMM Gymnastics is a new training facility — next to the Municipal Airport — and it’s already establishing itself as a place to enhance tumbling and other gymnastics skills.

Elaina Safft Guadawama, 9, works on a split tumble at JAMM Gymnastics in Zephyrhills. (Mike Camunas)

“We’ve been well-received by the community, especially since the demand for gymnastics has been pretty high in Zephyrhills for a while now,” said owner Steve Paul, who also coaches at the gym. “We’re focusing on recreational gymnastics, so a lot of tumbling classes, but they’re also able to work on the bars and beams and rings, too.”

Instructor Katelyn Napoleone helps Tayla-Anne Taylor, 12, execute a flip during a tumbling class at JAMM Gymnastics.

Paul and his wife, Gabby Quattlebaum, are co-owners of the center. It opened its doors on June 13.

The center offers tumbling classes, camps and space to host birthday parties.

The co-owners are both active coaches for the classes.

The East Pasco Invaders, a cheerleading squad for children ages 5 to 18, also has made its home at JAMM.

Paul and Quattlebaum have credentials, plus knowledge.

They have helped develop three Olympic trial members, an NCAA All-Around Champion, 12 NCAA All Americans, three World Team members, four USA Team members and 30 college scholarship recipients.

Payton Larkin, 8, works on keeping good form during bounces on a trampoline at JAMM Gymnastics, a new training facility and center at 5048 Airport Road, in Zephyrhills.

“I’ve been around or coaching gymnastics for about 30 years,” Paul said. “My wife used to be a gymnast, and we have the tools and the skills that we know will make them better cheerleaders, which is why we are now the home of the Pasco Invaders.”

Paul adds it’s not just aspiring gymnasts and cheerleaders that are looking to be coached.

Lillianan Salas, 7, works on her form and dismount on the trampoline during a tumbling class at JAMM Gymnastics in Zephyrhills.

Athletes from various sports see the value of gymnastics training, he said.

“What they learn in gymnastics will help them in just about any other sport they play,” Paul said.

“We can help kids develop through some gymnastic skills and become better football, basketball, soccer, baseball players — any sport — and help them run faster, jump higher.

“That’s where we really come in and want to help,” he said.

While JAMM has hosted open houses, and summer and back-to-school camps, it has seen its fair share of new athletes join the ranks. While tumbling and cheerleading are a big draw for now, locals are enjoying the affordability and laid-back atmosphere of a gym still very apt at improving skills.

JAMM Gymnastics instructor Gabby Quattlebaum, who owns the center with her husband, Steve Paul, speaks with a student during a recent class.

“My daughter is a cheerleader and her shortcomings were in tumbling scenarios,” Zephyrhills resident Teddy Taylor said. “This place allows her to expand her talents, work on the things she needs and become a better cheerleader.

“(It’s a) little bit more (of) nextdoor neighbor,” he added. “They don’t seem to be out to just make the big dollars — it’s about the girls, the athletes here, and whatever they can do to make them better as athletes and people.

“It’s all about fun, and that they’re having fun.”

Teddy’s daughter, 12-year-old Tayla-Anne, is definitely having fun.

“I wanted to take gymnastics so I could learn to do different things and so I could advance with my tumbling for cheerleading,” the Pasco Invaders cheerleader said. “I like this place a lot. It’s pretty fun, and I’ve learned a lot, especially during a gymnastics camp I took. I learned how to do stuff on the bar and the beams, so it’s been great to have a place I come to a lot, to learn even more tumbling.”

Next on the agenda for JAMM is to partner with after-school programs. By doing that, children can take gymnastics as an extracurricular activity in the afternoons.

It will be more than mere tumbling, Paul said.

“We do want to provide recreational after-school programs,” he said. “Because we’ll teach them tumbling and gymnastics, but also help them learn to set goals, and have a positive, can-do attitude. All while learning gymnastics.”

JAMM Gymnastics
Where: 5048 Airport Road, Zephyrhills
Details: A gymnastics training facility that offers lessons, classes, camps and birthday parties.
Info: Visit JammGymnastics.com, or call 813-602-8960.

Published August 17, 2022

This kid is revved up and ready to go

August 2, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Just like that, the training wheels came off.

It took no time at all for Elijah Sumner to be riding a pint-sized dirt bike.

By himself.

Elijah Sumner, 10, of Zephyrhills, races around the track at Dade City Motocross during a recent practice session. Sumner won the 65CC championship in 2021. (Mike Camunas)

That led to racing around the track at Dade City Motocross.

And, eventually, that led to winning the 65CC Championship for 7- to 9-year-olds in 2021.

“I couldn’t believe it (that I had won) because we had been working toward it ever since I was 6 or 7 (years old), and then I finally won it and all the emotions broke loose,” the 10-year-old said. “I was just so happy. It was a lot of work.”

The work paid off for the soon-to-be fifth-grader at Chester Taylor Elementary. The championship earned him a 4 ½-foot trophy, a $500 helmet, various other prizes, and a poster of him on the track, riding in his championship run.

Elijah Sumner catches some air, at Dade City Motocross.

“I like to compete with my friends, just trying to win, plus just being on the track,” Sumner added. “I remember being out here when I was little (at age 4) and it was fun, and it’s where I learned the competitiveness.”

Competitiveness comes with the territory in motocross. So does the drive. Because as Andy Sumner, Elijah’s dad, remembers it, he couldn’t hold back his son from motocross racing.

“Back in 2015, when he was still somewhat of a baby, one of my good friends, his son, was racing,” Andy said. “So, I’d just put him on a little dirt bike, and I’d get on and ride it with him. Then I bought a dirt bike and put training wheels on it, and at about 4 ½, he was riding by himself.

Elijah Sumner preps with his dad, Andy, before making rounds on the track at Dade City Motocross.

“It’s all about the love of racing, with me and my son,” Andy added. “Just that father-and-son bond, just having fun out here racing. He’s got his friends out here, too, ones he’s been riding with for years and growing up together at this track since he was 4 or 5 years old.

“Motocross is a moto-family all the way.”

Elijah’s performance has earned him a handful of sponsorships, because, as Andy puts it, “They say you got to spend $2 million to make a million in this sport.”

Local businesses — such as Dad’s Powder Coating in Zephyrhills, Sunrise Eatery in Zephyrhills, Bullfrog Performances in Zephyrhills and Southern Savage Photography — are taking notice of the young dirt biker and supporting him in his fun endeavor.

“He loves it and has fun with it — that’s the biggest thing,” Andy said. “We’re lucky to have those sponsors and he’s earned it. He cried when he won the championship — was just full of emotion getting his biggest win to date.”

So Elijah is now onto the next challenge, or class, that is. He moves up to the 85CC class, which runs for ages 10 to 15, and features a larger bike and bigger motor.

Elijah knows it’ll be hard work, but hopes another championship will come in no time at all.

“That’s the goal,” said a sweaty, out-of-breath Elijah, as he pulled off his helmet after practice laps at Dade City Motocross. “I’m going to try to win my age group on the 85(CC) now. It’s time for a bigger bike and a harder class — and more of a challenge.”

Dade City Motocross
Where: 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
When: Practices are Thursdays and Saturdays, with races held Saturday nights.
Info: Visit DadeCityMx.com, call 813-781-9569, or email .

Published August 03, 2022

Bulldog blazes to track state title

May 24, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Maguire Neal got over one extra hurdle, to reach the top of the podium.

Zephyrhills High’s Maguire Neal took home the gold for the Class 3A 300-meter hurdles on May 13, giving him the first state title for that event in school history. Neal, who is committed to play football and run track for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, won the event with a time of 37.31 seconds. (Mike Camunas)

That hurdle was a disappointing performance in the 110-meter hurdles. Had the Zephyrhills High senior track star done better, he’s not sure he would have had the drive to become the first Zephyrhills High athlete to bring home the 300-meter hurdles state title.

“When I did the 110, I didn’t do so hot,” the senior sprinter explained.

“(Doing poorly on the 110) pushed me harder to do better in the 300. I knew I’d have to go hard.

“I was nervous in the blocks, but once I was out of those, everything was smooth.”

“Honestly, it was a blessing in disguise — that he didn’t do so well in the 110 hurdles,” said Bryan Thomas, Neal’s coach. “I feel he would’ve been more complacent if he had been able to get on the podium.

“So not taking that podium (for the 110), he went out and ran the 300 with that edge that really helped. I’d never seen him attack the hurdles that way.”

Neal competed in four events at the Class 3A track and field state championships on May 13, at the Florida-Percy Beard Track Stadium at the University of Florida, in Gainesville.

In addition to the 110- and 300-meter hurdles, he also ran in the 100-meter and the 4×100-meter relay.

It was finishing 10th in the 110 hurdles that proved to be the extra motivation.

“I’d been running the 300 hurdles since freshman year,” Neal said. “I was thinking, yeah, by senior year I should be close to or getting a state championship.”

He credits his sister, Maya, for helping him to become a better hurdler.

Indeed, Maya, was a track star at Zephyrhills, finishing in the Top 5, when she was a senior.

“Maya was great for us here at Zephyrhills, but she was like, ‘My brother is better,’” Thomas recalled. “She used to show me videos of him and say, ‘He’s going to come here and run — he’s at Centennial Middle!’ … Just seeing him develop over the years, I knew he was going to be something special. Seeing him become a state champ was just icing on the cake for him.

“It has been a blessing to coach this kid,” the coach added.

Thomas is no stranger to the track and field state championships. After winning the long jump state title in 2006 (and playing college football for the University of Florida and North Alabama), he returned to his alma mater as an assistant football coach in 2016.

Neal is the second state champ that Thomas has coached. The first was Cartrell Strong, who won the triple jump state title in 2019.

Thomas acknowledged that not only does running track run in the Neal family, but that the family support system was key for Maguire.

“As a coach, you wish every athlete had that,” Thomas said. “They’re at every event, they ask if they can help out the team with tents and water — they’re unbelievable. A lot of what he does on the field and on the track is for his family.”

Maguire said the support he receives from his family has been invaluable.

“My whole family has always had my back and has been at every race. “I couldn’t’ve (won states) without them,” he said.

Maguire Neal let his grandma, Leona Hiatt, wear his gold medal after he won the 300-meter hurdles state title on May 13. (Courtesy of Maguire Neal).

Initially, he couldn’t believe that he’d won the race.

“When I crossed the (finish) line I was just in shock, really. It finally hit me when the medal was put around my neck,” he said.

The athlete’s future is filled with possibilities.

He’s committed to play football, and run track, at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

He left for Charlotte on May 20, but will be back to attend Zephyrhills’ graduation at the University of South Florida on June 9.

Now, as he graduates, he’ll leave high school with a little extra hardware.

On the podium

Several other track and field athletes shined during the state meets in May. Here are a list of the individuals that placed in the top three, in their respective events:

First (Gold)

Class 1A

300-meter hurdles – Camila Garaton – Carrollwood Day – Sr. – 44.88

Class 4A

1600 meter – Brooke Reif – Wharton – Sr. – 4:53.27

Second (Silver)

Class 3A

1600 meter – Alex Pena – Sunlake – Jr. – 4:14.18

3200 meter – Zack Poekert – Cypress Creek – Jr. – 9:16.93

Discus – Isaiah Tavo – Land O’ Lakes – Sr. – 51.59m

Class 4A

400-meter – Serenity Brazell – Wharton – Jr. – 55.03

Third (Bronze)

Class 1A

Discus – Leighann Hanley – Carrollwood Day – So. – 34.80m

Class 3A

Javelin – Aiden Marsh – Land O’ Lakes – Jr. – 52.32m

Published May 25, 2022

Holding court after school

April 12, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Like a volley, these tennis players are ready to return to the court.

Ava Sambrano smiles as she coaches students during the after-school tennis program at Stewart Middle in Zephyrhills. The Sarah Vande Berg (SVB) Tennis Foundation sponsors the program, which meets twice a week. (Mike Camunas)

The Stewart Middle School students are taking part in an after-school tennis program put on by the Sarah Vande Berg (SVB) Center and Foundation.

The youths spend afternoons twice a week doing their homework and then heading out to the school’s tennis courts to learn the fundamentals of the sport. Plus, they get some exercise, too.

“They embrace getting the work and homework done, and then they pressure us, ‘OK, we’re done. Let’s go out to the court,’” coach Ava Sambrano said with a smile. “And, that’s because we keep it very fun. We teach them different drills, the different types of strokes with the racquets — we work on footwork, hand-eye coordination and keep it all fun because that’s what they look forward to.”

Sambrano is a coach from the SVB Center, which will provide this program twice a week through nearly the rest of this school year at Stewart Middle, 38505 10th Ave., in Zephyrhills.

The program, presented by the SVB Foundation’s Play Days program, explains tennis basics to many who have not been exposed to the sport.

It’s a way to provide those students with access to lessons and tennis equipment.

“Tennis can be a very expensive sport,” said Sambrano, who played college tennis and was a JuCo national champion. “It’s free (thanks to the Center and Foundation) for them to participate, so we try to bring a sport that they can do and enjoy. I think it’s great we can try to pass on these skills and some values that might prepare them for not only tennis, but in life, as well.

“Parents want them to do an activity,” she added. “A little after-school thing to do before they can be picked up. Many are from low-income homes, so we try to promote physical activity and fitness, and have a better focus on their life.”

And, it’s easy to see the kids are all on board, as Sambrano pointed out. The program has nearly 25 kids and each is eager to grab a racquet after school.

Zachary Causey, 13, returns a volley during the after-school tennis program at Stewart Middle in Zephyrhills.

“I’ve learned a lot here playing tennis,” student Charles Irving said. “It’s a lot of fun. I’m always looking forward to getting my work done, so we can get on the court.”

Trey Hochstetler, another student, said: “I really like tennis a lot. And I like tennis because it’s a sport I’m actually good at, and I plan on playing in high school and going to the (SVB) Center.”

Stewart Principal Joshua Borders hopes this tennis program will pave the way for additional after-school programs.

The school has athletic teams, but Borders wants to add other sports that offer similar after-school programs.

The programs can be a pipeline to high school teams, Borders said.

By getting an early start, the athletes will be better prepared if they would like to keep on playing, he added.

“We want to do more after-school programs with other spots, so, hopefully, with this success, we’ll be able to do that in the future,” Borders said.

Published April 13, 2022