Hillsborough academic awards
Hillsborough County announced its academic awards for the winter high school sports season. The big winner among area programs was Freedom cheerleading, which placed first with a combined team grade point average (GPA) of 3.429, while Steinbrenner placed third with a 3.343. It is the first time the Patriots have won the award in the program’s nine-year history.
The honor caps off a banner year for Freedom, which won the Hillsborough cheerleading championships for the first time. The Patriots also won the Region 3 large varsity title, another program first.
Steinbrenner came in second for girls basketball and boys soccer, finishing with a 3.609 and 3.317, respectively. Freedom boys soccer (3.311), Wharton girls soccer (3.580) and Steinbrenner wrestling (3.106) all placed third in their respective sport.
Vipers take flag football title
The Land O’ Lakes Vipers won the i9 Sports of Pasco County championship on March 11 by defeating the Vikings 38-19. The Vipers went 11-0 during the season. The team includes Ivan Chavez, Ben Curran, Gilbert Esiten, Cole Hamill, Taylor Holland, Tre McKitty, Justin Nahas, Brandon Roman, Alex St.Romain, Alexander Terovolas and coach Scott St. Romain.
Harte to coach CDS boys soccer
Veteran coach Jim Harte has been picked to lead the Carrollwood Day School (CDS) boys soccer program. Harte spent 25 years coaching at Clearwater Central Catholic, where he guided the Marauders to six state championships, 11 trips to the final four and 17 playoff berths.
“I am thrilled and honored to join the Patriot nation of CDS,” Harte said. “We are excited to help build a competitive soccer program that will make CDS proud and will cause people all around Tampa Bay and Florida to sit up and take notice.”
CDS started competing in high school soccer four years ago. The Patriots went winless during their first three years, but won five games in 2011-12.
Registration for i9 Sports
Open registration for i9 Sports of Pasco County is under way for the spring and summer season. Activities include flag football, soccer, T-ball and basketball. Children ages 3 to 16 of all ability levels are welcome. There are no drafts, tryouts, cuts or fundraising involved. For more information, visit www.i9sports.com or call (813) 532-1507.
