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Local Sports

Sports agency in Lutz building reputation, clientele

February 23, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

When conjuring up an image of a sports talent agent, the mind might wander to a sharp-tongued individual donning an expensive suit, wheeling deals and barking orders from an expensive downtown high-rise in Los Angeles, Miami or New York.

Think movies and television shows like “Jerry McGuire,” “Ballers,” and “Arliss.”

DNA Sports Management is a boutique sports agency firm situated off of State Road 54 in Lutz. The firm primarily represents professional football and hockey players. (Courtesy of DNA Sports Management)

But, David Walkowiak and Andre Kirwan aim to defy that stereotype. They operate a boutique sports agency firm out of Walkowiak’s law office, off State Road 54 in Lutz.

Walkowiak and Kirwan partnered around 2014 to form DNA Sports Management, a full-service sports agency that primarily works with professional football and hockey players.

Kirwan jokes the firm’s name sometimes gives the impression the duo is in an entirely different line of work — with people frequently asking if it’s a medical tech company.

The DNA moniker takes on multiple meanings.

For one, it ties in the first initial of Dave and Andre.

And, like the biological DNA, the firm asserts the tagline: “With You for Life.”

It also signals the team is available to help their clients even after their athletic career — providing guidance into the public and private sectors.

They’ve helped clients break into coaching and scouting, have written law school recommendations, and have helped another launch a rap career and establish contacts in the music and entertainment industry.

They regularly assist with housing issues, financial literacy, athletic training programs and are just there, sometimes, to lend an ear.

“We stay with these guys, whether they’re making millions of dollars or nothing, because we take this seriously,” Walkowiak says.

Kirwan asserts the firm’s priority is “do the right thing by players and not compromise integrity.”

In essence, Kirwan and Walkowiak are on call  24/7, Kirwan says.

“It’s just a matter of when life happens, so when they need us, they need us,” he says of DNA’s athletic clientele. “We’re taking calls on weekends, on evenings. If they had a bad practice, they’ll call us for a pep talk, so really, we’re family. We tell the parents, ‘We’re an extension of you…’”

David Walkowiak

Modest beginnings
DNA Sports started from humble beginnings.

The very first negotiated deal was on behalf of a player for the Triangle Torches, a little-known and now defunct professional indoor football team based out of Raleigh, North Carolina.

It was far from a headline-grabbing, multimillion dollar deal.

League players made around $150 per week and were given a couple food vouchers.

Now, the pair is working with several athletes who’ve gone on to have stints or extended action in both the NFL and CFL.

A new addition to the DNA roster is former USF record-breaking quarterback Quinton Flowers, who plays in the Fan Controlled Football league. Flowers also enjoyed stints with the Cincinnati Bengals (2018), Indianapolis Colts (2019) and XFL’s Tampa Bay Vipers (2020).

Another familiar face is former USF outside linebacker Nigel Harris. The former Hillsborough High standout is now on the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders negotiation list and has previous experience with the Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans.

Walkowiak estimates DNA Sports has represented “close to 100 players” since its inception. He  acknowledges many initial signings were reaches to have a legitimate shot in the pro football ranks, coming from the Division II and NAIA collegiate football ranks.

With time and experience, the firm now can be more selective with its client list.

“I think we learned a lot in the early years,” Walkowiak says. “We realized it’s not quantity. It’s not that you just sign everybody and hope one sticks, you know, it’s that we want to be a boutique agency, and one that really caters to all the needs.”

The firm has gone global to procure talent, too.

DNA Sports in November tabbed three Russian hockey player prospects to contracts — defenseman Artur Karmashkov, goaltender Ivan Veremchuk, and center Yuri Zholobov, respectively.

Karmashkov and Veremchuk have played in the KHL, the Soviet Union’s equivalent of the NHL, while Zholobov has had action in the Czech Republic’s premier professional leagues.

The signings were made possible with the help of former Tampa Bay Lightning winger Alexander Selivanov, the agency’s Director of European Scouting/European Agent.

Andre Kirwan

Further beefing up its ice hockey portfolio, DNA Sports recently hired Adam Bennett,  the No. 6 overall pick in the 1989 NHL Draft, to an advisory role.

Bennett, who bounced around professional leagues for six years, including playing for the Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers, will be consulting primarily Florida-based hockey talent, helping them latch on with junior teams, colleges and so on.

The numbers guy
Walkowiak and Kirwan each bring their own set of unique backgrounds and experiences to the sports management firm.

Walkowiak is a self-professed “geek that loves numbers,” and describes himself as “the guy behind the scenes.” He previously worked closely with the Lightning’s former ownership group led by Henry Paul and Phil Esposito, assisting on tasks like arbitration, trades and player contract evaluations.

His career feats include facilitating the trade of then forward Jason Bonsignore and handling the arbitration case of then goaltender Daren Puppa.

On negotiating player contracts, Walkowiak calls the process “very similar to doing a comparative market analysis in real estate.”

With a passion for sports growing up and hockey in particular, Walkowiak “always wanted to be an agent.”

A practicing attorney since 1997 who specializes in real estate law, circuit civil and family law, Walkowiak figured he’d revisit this dream knowing pro athletes have landed larger and larger deals in recent years.

The tipping point came when Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog in 2013 signed a seven-year contract extension worth $39 million.

The report piqued Walkowiak’s interest.

Someone he never heard of was now “making Wayne Gretzky money,” he said, referring to arguably the greatest hockey player of all time, who retired in 1999.

Former USF record-breaking quarterback Quinton Flowers is one of the Lutz-based sports agency’s more prominent clients. (Courtesy of University of South Florida Athletics Department)

“For a period of about 15 years, to go from the greatest player that ever played the game, to almost the same amount of money for a guy that I had never heard of,” Walkowiak says. “I wanted to revisit that.”

The mentor
Kirwan, meanwhile, takes on more of the role of relationship-builder and athlete mentor. He often reminds clients and others to “stay humble, stay hungry and prayed up.”

Kirwan was a decorated athlete in his own right. He played nearly nine seasons with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts, where he won a Grey Cup Championship as a starting wide receiver in 1997. He even had an NFL training camp stint with the San Francisco 49ers after graduating from Stanford University.

Kirwan understands the importance of an agent being forthcoming, and transparent, with athletes.

He once had to fire an agent from a high-profile firm for lying to him about sending his highlight film to NFL teams who’d expressed interest at the height of his CFL career. It could’ve been what Kirwan needed to break into the NFL at the time.

Kirwan often ponders if he would have been better served by a smaller, more personable firm like DNA Sports.

“I’ve sat on both sides of the table now.

“The No. 1 question I’d always ask an agent when I was interviewing them was, ‘Who else do you represent?’ and a lot of times you go for the shiniest objects, the biggest names and that’s what I ended up doing,” Kirwan explains.
“In essence, I should’ve gone to a boutique firm like us that really fought for my cause. Having had to fire an agent for lying to me, it’s even that more personal to me to do what we say we’re going to do,” he said, noting athletes are placing their futures in the firm’s hands.

Keeping momentum
So, what does the future holds for DNA Sports?

Perhaps the firm will venture into additional professional sports, such as basketball, soccer or track and field.

“We’re not opposed to branching out,” Kirwan says, but, “we don’t want to be a jack-of-all trades and a master of none.”

Whatever path they take, Kirwan and Walkowiak are bullish on the agency’s future prospects.

“It’s just a matter of time before we start having those first-rounders, those second-rounders,” Kirwan says, referring to top-flight NFL Draft prospects.

Says Walkowiak: “We’re excited. We have a lot going on. We’ve picked up quite a bit of traction lately.”

For information on DNA Sports Management, visit DNASportsManagement.com, email , or call 813-962-3176.

Published February 24, 2021

Filed Under: Local Sports, Lutz Sports Tagged With: Adam Bennett, Alexander Selivanov, Andre Kirwan, Arizona Cardinals, Artur Karmashkov, CFL, Chicago Blackhawks, Cincinnati Bengals, Colorado Avalanche, Daren Puppa, David Walkowiak, DNA Sports Management, Edmonton Oilers, Fan Controlled Football, Gabriel Landeskog, Henry Paul, Hillsborough High School, Indianapolis Colts, Ivan Veremchuk, Jason Bonsignore, KHL, Los Angeles Chargers, Lutz, New York Giants, NFL, NHL Draft, Nigel Harris, Phil Esposito, Quinton Flowers, San Francisco 49ers, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Stanford University, State Road 54, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Vipers, Tennessee Titans, Toronto Argonauts, Triangle Torches, University of South Florida, XFL, Yuri Zholobov

Locals athletes ink with colleges on National Signing Day

February 16, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

Dozens of local high school athletes earlier this month signed their letters of intent (LOI) to various colleges and universities as part of National Signing Day.

It’s a special day held annually on the first Wednesday in February where thousands of athletes nationwide can sign a binding letter of intent with a member school of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

From The Laker/Lutz News coverage area alone, Wharton High registered the most signings with nine, followed by Cypress Creek and Steinbrenner high schools that each reported six apiece.

Academy at the Lakes, Freedom High, Gaither High, Land O’ Lakes High, Sunlake High, Wesley Chapel High, Wiregrass Ranch High, Zephyrhills High and Zephyrhills Christian Academy also were well-represented as part of signing day festivities.

Locals inked to play at the next level for the following sports — beach volleyball, baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, volleyball, softball, swimming and track.

Here is a closer look at some notable area athletes who signed on the dotted line and are expected to make significant contributions at the next level.

Jared Hammill, Wharton, cross-country/track (University of Tampa)
Jared Hammill turned in a banner performance at the 2020 FHSAA state cross-country championships, finishing third overall in the 4A meet — clocking a 15:51.9 (5:06-minute per mile pace).

His time and placing represented was tops among local cross-country runners from all classifications in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. (Meanwhile, the only two runners faster in all of 4A were Rheinhardt Harrison (15:26.9) and Anderson Ball (15:43.5), both teammates at Nease High, in Ponte Vedra Beach.)

The state showcase wasn’t Hammill’s fastest time of the year, however.

That came at the Hillsborough County Championships in October, where he set a new school 5K record — posting a 15:34 to win the meet, besting Tre Rivers’ 15:45.7 mark set in 2018.

Hammill now looks to end his prep running career on an even higher note with the forthcoming track season, likely to compete in the 800-meter, 1600-meter and 3,200-meter runs, as well as some relays. His personal-best in the 800-meter is 2:00.06, 1600-meter is 4:31.91 and 3,200-meter is 9:41.52.

Kiael Kelly, Gaither, football (Ball State University)
Kiael Kelly, a dual-threat quarterback, wasted no time in his lone season at Gaither — transferring in from Tampa Jesuit for his senior year.

Gaither High standout quarterback Kiael Kelly is headed to Ball State University, in Muncie, Indiana. (Courtesy of Gaither High School)

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound athlete steered the Cowboys to an 11-1 record and 6A regional final —  completing 63% of his throws for 1,594 yards, 16 touchdowns and four picks, plus 399 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns.

Kelly also is a member of the renowned Team Tampa 7-on-7 all-star team, which has won multiple national championships since its formation in 2010.

A consensus three-star recruiting prospect, Kelly also received Division I scholarship offers from Bethune-Cookman, Bowling Green, Coastal Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Liberty, South Florida and Syracuse.

One doesn’t have to look far to see where Kelly’s athletic bloodlines originate.

His father is Kenny Kelly, a former starting quarterback at the University of Miami, who also played Major League Baseball for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals in the early 2000s. The elder Kelly also was a four-sport letterman at Tampa Catholic High School in baseball, basketball, football and track.

Lilly Kiester, Freedom, softball (University of Tampa)
Lilly Kiester first hit the big stage back in 2015, when her Team Tampa U12 travel ball softball team ventured to Sacramento, California, to compete in the Amateur Softball Association national championship for that age group.

She’s come a long way since advancing to the prep ranks.

The speedy centerfielder was en route to another strong season as a junior— before the COVID-19 pandemic cut everything short — posting a .452 batting average through eight games, adding eight runs, four RBIs and two extra-base hits.

Kiester was no slouch her prior two years on varsity, either, hitting .365 as a sophomore and .333 as a freshman.

Her career numbers thus far stack up this way: In 52 games played, Kiester has a .366 average, .428 on-base percentage, 64 hits, 51 runs, 24 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. Defensively, she has a .941 fielding percentage, 66 putouts and 14 outfield assists during that time.

Meantime, the Freedom Patriots during that time have gone a combined 38-15 with two regional playoff appearances.

Expect more of the same, and maybe then some, this spring.

Academy at the Lakes swimmer McKenna Smith has signed a scholarship with Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina. (Courtesy of Academy at the Lakes Athletics)

McKenna Smith, Academy at the Lakes, swimming (Duke University)
McKenna Smith soon will venture into the competitive NCAA Division I swimming ranks after wrapping up a decorated prep career as a seven-time state medalist — which includes recent third-place finishes in the 50-yard free (23.15) and 100-yard free (50.34) at the 2020 Florida High School Athletic Association 1A championship meet.

This goes along with claiming more than a dozen individual regional and district titles combined over her varsity career, plus countless other events and invitationals won.

The sprint freestyler, too, has earned a multiple high school All-American nod for her junior cuts in the 50 free and 100 free. Her personal-best time (in yards) in the 50 free is 23.05, 100 free is 50.11, and 200 free is 1:51.65.

Besides her work in the pool for Academy at the Lakes, Smith swims year-round for Florida Elite Swimming, a club team based in Land O’ Lakes.

A volleyball player as a youth, Smith didn’t begin swimming competitively until the sixth grade.

The watersport has become a family affair, however.

Smith’s younger brother, Nate, an AATL freshman, competed in his first state swim meet this past year, finishing 22nd in the 1A 100-yard free (49.65).

Lilou Stegeman, Steinbrenner, volleyball (University of Albany)
Lilou Stegeman, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker, wrapped up an impressive final campaign as a key cog in Steinbrenner’s 17-8 record and 7A regional semifinals berth.

In 55 sets played this season, Stegeman registered 136 kills, 73 digs, 44 blocks and 18 aces, en route to earning All-County honors.

Stegeman also competes for the Orlando Tampa Volleyball Academy, regarded as one of the top clubs in the country.

Stegeman also is an accomplished track athlete — a team captain who was a state finisher in the 100-meter hurdles in 2019. She also ran the 300-meter hurdles, high jump, 4×100-meter and 4×400-meter relays and 200-meter dash for Steinbrenner.

This coming fall, Stegeman will join a University of Albany volleyball program that won the 2019 America East title — its first since 2011, and sixth conference championship, overall.

Albany head volleyball coach Josh Pickard said the following of Stegeman’s athletic skillset, in a Signing Day release: “Lilou brings great size and presence in the middle. She has competed for a great club and will bring a great knowledge of the game to our squad. She has a great background in multiple sports, which helps her excel in her chosen sport of volleyball. Her upside in volleyball is huge due to her short time in the sport and we are excited to see her grow as a Great Dane.”

Peyton Petry, Cypress Creek, baseball (Saint Leo University)
Peyton Petry has established himself as one of the area’s most productive two-way players — a right-handed pitcher and outfielder —twice earning first team All-Conference honors.

A quartet of Cypress Creek High varsity baseball players signed their National Letters of Intent with various colleges and universities. From left: Peyton Petry (Saint Leo University), Anthony Menendez (Thomas University), Zach Beulk (Thomas University) and Nolan Jamison (Mars Hill University). (Courtesy of Kellie Petry)

Before the COVID-19 pandemic terminated the 2020 campaign, the 6-foot-4 Petry had a  .464/.531/.678 slash line with 12 runs, 9 RBIs and four extra base hits through 32 plate appearances in seven games, paired with a 3.50 earned run average and 27 strikeouts through 12 innings pitched.

Petry’s full sophomore run was likewise noteworthy, with his arm and his bat.

On the mound, Petry fired 36.1 innings to the tune of a 1.35 earned run average, 34 strikeouts, and a 4-1 win-loss mark. At the plate, he posted a .333/.413/.333 line, with five runs and seven RBIs, in 19 games played.

Petry also has garnered widespread recognition around prep baseball circles —  ranked among the top-500 recruits in the nation, according to Perfect Game, the world’s largest baseball scouting service.

In addition to Cypress Creek, Petry plays for the Ostingers Baseball Academy travel ball team, where he’s earned multiple All-Tournament team selections and helped the program win the 2020 Perfect Game 17U Florida World Series in Fort Myers.

Saint Leo head baseball coach Rick O’Dette said this of Petry, as part of a Signing Day news release: “We saw him early as a low to mid 80’s strike thrower who we anticipated in becoming an immediate arm. That has happened even sooner than we have thought. He is now an upper 80’s arm who can throw any pitch at any time. The ceiling is extremely high for him. His work ethic and love to get better is extremely contagious. His future is bright.”

Petry’s younger brother, Ethan, also is a talented ballplayer showing high-level collegiate potential. The Cypress Creek junior third baseman/pitcher is a University of South Carolina commit.

Here is a roundup of all known high school athlete signings in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

Academy at the Lakes
Baseball
Alex Carmichael — Upper Iowa University (Fayette, Iowa)

Football
Sean Saccomanno — Saint Norbert College (De Pere, Wisconsin)

Softball
Vanessa Alexander — Brown University (Providence, Rhode Island)

Swimming
McKenna Smith — Duke University (Durham, North Carolina)

Cypress Creek High School
Baseball
Zachary Buelk — Thomas University (Thomasville, Georgia)
Nolan Jamison — Mars Hill University (Mars Hill, North Carolina)
Anthony Menendez —Thomas University (Thomasville, Georgia)
Peyton Petry — Saint Leo University

Softball
Emma Coon — Lander University (Greenwood, South Carolina)
Hailey Vasquez — Ava Maria University

Freedom High School
Softball
Lilly Kiester — University of Tampa
Erica Wilton — Miami-Dade College

Land O’ Lakes High School
Softball
Emily Proctor — College of Central Florida
Gracie Stanley — Pasco-Hernando State College

Steinbrenner High School
Beach Volleyball
Rebecca Bach — Missouri State University

Football
Brycen Lowe — Carthage College (Kenosha, Wisconsin)

Lacrosse
Matthew Wyatt — Belmont-Abbey College (Belmont, North Carolina)

Softball
Mykayla Parise-King — Mars Hill University (Mars Hill, North Carolina)
Ashley Sholl — Concordia University-Chicago (River Forest, Illinois)

Volleyball
Lilou Stegeman — University of Albany (Albany, New York)

Sunlake High School
Baseball
Dominick Albano — Warner University
Dylan Broderick — Saint Leo University
Trevor Mannarino — Lake Sumter State College

Gaither High School
Football
Nick Bartalo — Charleston Southern University (Charleston, South Carolina)
Kiael Kelly — Ball State University (Muncie, Indiana)
Jordan Oladokun — Samford University (Birmingham, Alabama)
Ricky Parks — University of Utah

Wesley Chapel High School
Football
Matt Helms — Warner University

Wharton High School
Baseball
Zach Ehrhard — Oklahoma State University
Dylan McDonald — Saint Leo University
Frank Micallef — University of South Florida
Michael Rivera — Hillsborough Community College

Basketball
Candice Green — Webber International University

Softball
Tieley Vaughn — University of South Florida
McKayla Velasquez — Ave Maria University

Cross-Country/Track
Jared Hammill — University of Tampa

Lacrosse
McKenzie Watson — Newberry College (Newberry, South Carolina)

Wiregrass Ranch High School
Football
Grady Clower — University of Central Florida
Larry Gibbs Jr. — Warner University
Gabe Thompson — Army West Point (West Point, New York)

Zephyrhills
Football
Mike Barber — Luther College (Decorah, Iowa)

Zephyrhills Christian Academy
Football
Nicholas Novo — Apprentice School (Newport News, Virginia)

Published February 17, 2021

Filed Under: Local Sports Tagged With: Academy at the Lakes, Ball State University, Cypress Creek High, Duke University, Freedom High, Gaither High, Jared Hammill, Kiael Kelly, Land O' Lakes High, Lilly Kiester, Lilou Stegeman, McKenna Smith, National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Signing Day, NCAA, Peyton Petry, Saint Leo University, Steinbrenner High, Sunlake High, University of Albany, University of Tampa, Wesley Chapel High, Wharton High, Wiregrass Ranch High, Zephyrhills Christian Academy, Zephyrhills High

Seniors keep active at East Pasco Family YMCA

February 9, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

The East Pasco YMCA in Zephyrhills is a welcoming community center for all ages — but some of its most robust activities are designed with the region’s ever-growing senior population in mind.

Helen Spearman of Wesley Chapel has been working out for the past 5 1/2 years at the East Pasco Family YMCA taking part in water aerobics as well. (Fred Bellet)

Step into the facility any weekday mid-morning and you’re bound to find dozens upon dozens of seniors getting fit — and enjoying themselves, too — simultaneously, through pickleball, Silver Sneakers and water aerobics classes.

Pickleball is by far the most popular activity among seniors, East Pasco YMCA officials say. At any given time, three dozen players or more are competing in the indoor gymnasium, at 37301 Chapel Hill Loop.

Pickleball is a paddleball sport combining many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.

Jane French spends part of the year living in Florida, and she spends some of that time taking part in the Silver Sneakers program at the East Pasco Family YMCA.

Using a smaller badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net, players use a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, in either singles and doubles format.

Compared to conventional tennis, pickleball players serve underhanded, the ball has less bounce and there’s no double alleys — whereby singles and doubles players are played on the same-size court. Moreover, there’s a 7-foot no-volley zone on each side of the net to prevent spiking.

In simpler terms, pickleball represents a relatively seamless transition for aging tennis players who maintain hand-eye coordination and competitive drive, but no longer have quite the footspeed to cover as much ground as they could in their younger years.

Gregory Bartlett, of Zephyrhills, credits the water aerobics class for helping to keep him alive. He has several medical conditions. He’s been a member of the water aerobics class for nearly nine years.

Like many of her elder peers, San Antonio resident Carol Hatfield can be found playing pickleball at the YMCA at least five days a week.

The 74-year-old enjoys the fitness and fellowship components of the sport, playing alongside locals and snowbirds alike.

“It’s just good exercise,” said Hatfield, who picked up the game about five years ago.

“I’m a tennis player, too, but I enjoy the exercise and friendly people. We’ve met a lot of people from the north.

“I think the older I’ve gotten, I play more pickleball than tennis. I just enjoy the pickleball. The game’s quick,” she said.

Pickelball enthusiast Rodger Brown, of Dade City, says he’s been playing pickleball for a year. Here, the winter resident from Michigan returns a shot to the opposing team of Joyce Fisher and Shirley Burnham.

East Pasco Family YMCA membership and wellness experience director Ryan Pratt is regularly awestruck in the way the center’s aging players get after it on the court, demonstrating their mastery of the fast-paced game.

“It’s quite impressive,” said Pratt, himself a former Division I college football player at Eastern Michigan University, during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

“You see the way they move in there, the agility that some of these seniors are displaying. They keep begging me, ‘You gotta come in and play with us,’ and I think they’ll put to shame if I were to go in there,” he said.

Like other Florida-based gyms and fitness centers, the local YMCA was shut down from about mid-March through mid-May due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It was during that period Pratt realized the significance of social interaction for all members, seniors included.

“We’re so focused on health and wellness and getting your exercise in, but most people said they missed seeing their friends. I think we really downplayed the effect of social isolation that’s going on right now still,” he said.

The YMCA administrator jested when the recreation facility finally reopened to members, “I think we had more conversations than exercise going on, but that tells you what was needed, besides the exercise. They just needed to get back and see each other, and have a conversation.”

Kim Womack, who teaches the water aerobics class, shows participants how they should be moving their immersed bodies in the water of the East Pasco Family YMCA pool. The class size varies from eight participants to 30 participants. Womack has been with the Y for 13 years.

Seventy-five-year-old Dade City resident Barb Gerrish, for one, was chomping at the bit to resume her daily Silver Sneakers classes amid the COVID-19 shutdown.

The facility’s Silver Sneakers program offers a variety of full-body exercises for seniors designed to increase muscular strength and motion. Handheld weights, elastic tubing, a ball and chair are used for resistance.

In lieu of these organized classes, Gerrish opted to walk in her neighborhood after every meal to keep active.

But, Silver Sneakers offers more apt movements to help her arthritis — also in a fun, socially distanced setting.

“I like the whole thing,” Gerrish said of Silver Sneakers, noting the Y has multiple instructors who each bring their own flair to classes.

A social butterfly herself, Gerrish makes a point to greet every participant either before or after class. “I have a lot of friends here, and I like it that way,” she said.

She also encourages others in her age range to partake in Silver Sneakers programming, no matter their fitness level or physical limitations: “Anything’s better than nothing. Just give it a try. You don’t know until you’ve tried.”

Glenda Iliev, of Wesley Chapel, right, makes some waves in the water aerobics class at the East Pasco Family YMCA. Cindy Daigler, of Zephyrhills, far left, and Annie Hermecz, of Dade City, center, follow along as instructor Kim Womack leads the class.

Other seniors like Greg Bartlett can be found getting their fitness fix in the local Y’s seven-lane heated outdoor pool.

The 62-year-old Zephyrhills resident has been a regular in the facility’s water aerobics classes for nearly a decade.

He joined the water exercise program to get healthy and to keep his weight in check.

A diabetic on disability with back and neck ailments, Bartlett is unable to partake in traditional cardiovascular exercises on land, he said.

Instead, the water is his safe haven for a fulfilling yet low-impact workout.

“To do things like the treadmills and stuff is just too rough on me. Here, you don’t have all the impact, and I can exercise hard in the water,” explained Bartlett.

The aqua classes have been a lifesaver for Bartlett, literally.

“I really, honestly believe I wouldn’t be alive today if I wasn’t doing this, because I’ve got so many health conditions, and my weight and all that,” he said.

When the YMCA closed in the spring, Bartlett was at a loss for what to do and how to cope.

“I put on weight during the pandemic and it really hurt,” he said. “I think they should’ve never closed down this type of stuff. Lack of exercise, for people like me, you start reversing and getting back where you have problems breathing and stuff like that. I mean, it’s easy enough to keep separated, in the pool especially, and you’re also in chlorinated water.”

Rosey Ward, of Zephyrhills, returns the ball in a game of pickleball, to Ron Enriquez, a newcomer to the game. Ward has been playing the game for three years at the East Pasco Family YMCA.

Bartlett likewise missed having a place to go and hobnob with his aqua classmates. “I consider all these people my friends down here,” he said.

Exercise classes are energizing
Keeping Bartlett and many other seniors in shape is Kim Womack, a longtime exercise instructor who’s worked at the East Pasco YMCA for going on 14 years.

The experienced fitness teacher brings an upbeat and energetic attitude as she organizes water aerobics, Silver Sneakers and other group exercises.

Womack gets a kick out of seeing her elder pupils complete a fulfilling workout session — and seeing their enjoyment through it all.

Womack put it like this: “I just love the way that it makes the members feel. They feel good, they feel energized.”

It’s satisfying, she said, to know “that they’re getting a good workout, they’re enjoying it and they’re having fun. It’s just nice seeing them being so active.”

When the pandemic initially touched down, Womack worried for her older clientele, not just for traditional health reasons, but the possible effects of social isolation and inactivity.

“A majority of the people who love doing group exercise classes kind of need those people around, and it just makes the day a lot easier for them,” Womack said. “It was quite a shock to see how you miss being around people and talking to them, and seeing how they’re doing.”

For more information, call 813-780-9622 or visit TampaYmca.org/east-pasco-family-ymca/about.

Published February 10, 2021

Filed Under: Local Sports Tagged With: aqua class, Barb Gerrish, Carol Hatfield, Chapel Hill Loop, East Pasco YMCA, Eastern Michigan University, Greg Barlett, Kim Womack, Pickleball, Ryan Pratt, senior exercise, Silver Sneakers, water aerobics, Zephyrhills

Center Ice adds sports performance center

February 2, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

The largest ice arena in the southeastern United States has installed some new features to further enhance its sports performance and training offerings.

The 150,000-square-foot AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel is best known for having four full-sized ice rinks and a mini-rink housed under one roof.

Recently, the facility added Octane Sports Performance, which aims to take hockey players, figure skaters and other athletes to greater heights.

Octane Sports Performance director Mark Gochenour demonstrates how to use an electrical stimulation device inside the recovery room at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel. (Kevin Weiss)

The 4,500-square-foot space encompasses a five-lane, 90-yard sprinting turf field, full-service weight room and full-service recovery room. Octane is designed for athletes of all ages to improve mobility, speed and agility, power and functional strength.

Octane is operated under the direction of Mark Gochenour, a former professional sprinter and exercise physiologist. He has an expertise in speed development, strength training, orthopedics and metabolics; Octane also has a full-time athletic trainer on staff.

Gochenour brings a pedigreed background in the fitness landscape.

Besides opening several gyms throughout the Tampa Bay area, Gochenour is credited with having built the first and largest sports performance training facility in the Middle East, located in Kuwait City. He’s also previously contracted and consulted with military and law enforcement agencies, as well college and professional athletes in major sports leagues.

Under his guidance, Octane’s sports performance training programs are described as “using the latest advancements in sports science and kinesiology to develop a sport-specific strength and conditioning program that improves the athlete’s overall athleticism.”

Group and private training packages are available. Individualized training is based on each athlete’s personal goals and sport-specific demands.

It’s also a tool that youth and adult hockey teams can take advantage of in between practices and games at Center Ice.

Gochenour explained how an Octane fitness program would work for young and older athletes using both the sprint turf field —equipped with hurdles and push/pull sleds — and weight room, which features an assortment of dumbbells, barbells, plates, racks, medicine balls, boxes and manual treadmills.

“The most important thing is we start very slow and make sure the athletes understand the movements patterns, they’re doing the movement patterns directly and then we can actually progress the athlete,” said Gochenour.

“I get parents asking me questions all the time, ‘Should my 10-year-old be weightlifting?’ and the answer is, ‘Yes.’ Now, am I going to put 200 pounds on your kid and have them do a squat? No, but I can teach them the proper squat mechanics, maybe while they’re holding a 6-pound med ball, and then we can progress to 8 pounds and can then progress to 15 or 16 pounds, and eventually to where they may be moving dumbbells.”

Gochenour added the “key to success” in training “is understanding our process, understanding developing movement patterns and really, just buying into the new culture that we’re developing here at Octane.

“There’s nothing fancy about dumbbells and plates and racks, it’s really more about processes and putting things together,” he said.

The Octane Performance Center is housed inside AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel. (Kevin Weiss)

Meanwhile, Gochenour is most proud of Octane’s new recovery room, within the performance center.

Formerly a little-used ballet space for figure skaters, Gochenour and Center Ice officials had grander visions for the enclosed space.

The room has been transformed to include various state-of-the-art recovery tools and equipment once only accessible to Olympic and professional or elite athletes, including:

  • NormaTec compression leg boots
  • Aquilo ice leg boots
  • Game Ready Med4Elite recovery system
  • NeuFit Neubie electrical stimulation device

“We started looking at products to see what we could bring into the area and what we could into the building and what we really came up with were four different products,” Gochenour said.

Gochenour went into further detail how each device can be applied by athletes.

The NormaTec boots, for instance, use air pressure massage and compression to relieve leg muscle aches, and temporarily increase circulation.

They’re best used for when athletes immediately get off the ice or field when legs are fatigued, Gochenour said.

“What it really does is, it refreshes their legs so they can get out and play at a higher level, quicker. So, if you do those types of things, when you’re looking at your training processes, if I can get more quality out of you over time, your athletic performance should go up,” he explained.

The Aquilo boots look similar to the NormaTec compression pants, but instead circulates ice water around all lower body muscles to help promote recovery and healing to muscles and joints.

They mirror and serve the purpose of an ice bath without all the hassle, especially in an altered COVID-19 world.

The Massachusetts-based South Shore Kings of the United States Premier Hockey League undergo various warm-up and stretching exercises inside Octane’s five-lane, 90-yard sprinting turf field. (Courtesy of AdventHealth Center Ice)

Said Gochenour: “It’s like being in a cold bath. I can get the pants down to about 38 degrees (Fahrenheit), and you never have to get in water, and it refreshes the athletes completely. It’s really an amazing product.”

The GameReady Med4Elite multi-modality therapy unit enables simultaneous treatment of one or two patients with multiple injuries.

The system integrates cryotherapy, thermotherapy, rapid contrast therapy and intermittent pneumatic compression therapy in one device.

In simpler terms, the contraption can produce hot and cold compression to any part of the body, whether it’s a shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee and so on.

“I can work all those different areas of your body, so I can spot-check everything basically from your neck to your toes, so if you have a specific injury, I can work with it hot or cold,” Gochenour explained.

Meantime, the NeuFit Neubie device could be the most significant game changer for athletes. It uses electrocurrent stimulation to “trick your brain” into more quickly recovering from pain, injury or surgery.

Octane is one of about just 50 providers of the technology nationwide, Gochenour said. In fact, the exercise guru flew out to Austin, Texas, to learn how to apply the product under direction of an orthopedic surgeon.

With the Neubie, pulsed direct currents on electrode sticky pads are attached to different areas of the body to promote healing through the body’s tissue and the nervous system; the treatment ultimately increases blood flow and teaches troubled muscles to work at a higher level.

Gochenour underscored the technology’s healing properties.

A high ankle sprain can be resolved with the treatment in about two weeks to three weeks, compared to the normal six weeks to eight weeks.

He also noted it’s proven effective in treating other ailments, whether it’s back issues or tennis and golfer’s elbow — pain on the inner side of the elbow.

“Sometimes I can treat them one time, and it’s gone,” Gochenour said. “Some people think it’s like witchcraft, but it’s really not. Sometimes I can’t define why it works or exactly how it works; I know from a scientific perspective why it works.”

The recovery room also has an assortment of training tables and lounge chairs, and also is used for taping, stretching and massages, and other sports medicine purposes to leverage what has become a growing fitness trend in the United States — more emphasis on post-workout recovery methods.

Gochenour joined Center Ice in July. He first spent several months getting Octane primed and ready for an early November ribbon-cutting.

He noted the coronavirus pandemic delayed some of the equipment shipment timelines, particularly when it came to outfitting the recovery and rehabilitation space.

“Some of the machines took a while to get. Gosh, the hardest thing to get were the (lounge) chairs,” he quipped.

Published February 03, 2021

Filed Under: Local Sports, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa Sports Tagged With: AdventHealth Center Ice, Mark Gochenour, Octane Sports Performance, Wesley Chapel

Locals make impact during 2020 college football season

January 26, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

The 2020 college football season was anything but ordinary, mostly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Myriad schedules were delayed and abbreviated, countless games were canceled, and many lower-level programs opted to punt on the year entirely, with sights of restarting action in 2021.

Amid all the obstacles, however, more than a handful of athletes with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area suited up and made significant impacts on the NCAA Division I FBS stage.

Here’s a closer look at some of the notable performers with connections to the area.

Donovan Jennings
College: University of South Florida, junior left tackle
Local tie: Gaither High School

Donovan Jennings started in all seven games he played during University of South Florida’s nine-game season — missing two games due to COVID-19 protocols.

USF left tackle Donovan Jennings is a Gaither High product. (Courtesy of University of South Florida athletics)

One of the 6-foot-5, 338-pound lineman’s brightest spots came in the Bulls’ Nov. 27 season finale against the University of Central Florida, paving the way for his team’s offense to post 646 yards of total offense, including 242 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Jennings generally has been lauded by coaches for his pass protection skills and effectiveness in the run game.

Thanks to a rare combination of quick feet, balance and strength, Jennings often is tasked with blocking opponent’s top pass-rushers in one-on-one situations.

Looking ahead to the 2021 season, Jennings will be one of the team’s most experienced members, having appeared in 29 games with 19 starts.

Jennings surprisingly didn’t begin playing football until his freshman year of high school, as size limitations in youth leagues prevented him from playing the sport.

But, he blossomed into an All-State player in four short years at Gaither, graduating in 2018.

While he garnered scholarship offers from several Division I FBS schools, Jennings, ultimately picked USF — a mere 7.5 miles from his prep stomping grounds.

“Playing in my hometown is great, seeing my friends and family come to all the games to support me with all I do,” Jennings said in a 2019 interview with USF’s official athletics website, GoUSFBulls.com. “I love putting on a show for all the fans and all the people I played in front of in high school. For my (former) coaches to be able to come out and see what type of player I’ve grown into is a good thing for me.”

Devontres Odoms-Dukes
College: University of South Florida, fifth-year senior wide receiver
Local tie: New Tampa resident, Wharton High School

New Tampa resident and Wharton High alum Devontres Odoms-Dukes wrapped up his final season at USF. (Courtesy of University of South Florida athletics)

Devontres Odoms-Dukes saved the best for last.

Playing in all nine of USF’s games and making six starts, Devontres Odoms-Dukes registered 24 catches for 297 yards and four touchdowns — all career highs and among team leaders.

The 6-foot-4, 216-pound Dukes, too, went out on a high note in his final college football game on Nov. 27 against UCF (University of Central Florida) — tallying five catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns.

Making all those figures more impressive is that Odoms-Dukes had to navigate playing for no less than four quarterbacks during the course of the season.

Meanwhile, his five-year run at USF hasn’t always been easy or stable, given he’s played for three different head coaches during that time — Willie Taggart, Charlie Strong and Jeff Scott, respectively.

Odoms-Dukes now has his eyes set on the 2021 NFL Draft, where he hopes to gain traction with his rare size at the receiver spot.

Prior to his USF tenure, Odoms-Dukes played two seasons at Wharton High, developing into an All-Hillsborough County honorable mention performer under then coach David Mitchell.

As a senior in 2015, he posted 41 catches for 780 yards and 14 touchdowns, guiding the Wildcats to an 8-2 mark that included dominating wins over the likes of Gaither, Freedom and Wiregrass Ranch high schools.

Odoms-Dukes was born in Pensacola and spent much of his childhood in the Fayetteville area in North Carolina before moving to New Tampa and finishing school at Wharton.

His parents are decorated military veterans who served in the U.S. Army and retired with Sergeant First Class status; they were deployed in areas including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Another fun tidbit: Odoms-Dukes is related to 13-year NBA veteran Reggie Evans, who played for six franchises from 2002 to 2015.

Shane McGough
College: Florida International University, redshirt senior center
Local tie: Gaither High School

Shane McGough’s final season as a Florida International University Panther wasn’t most ideal — given he played for a squad that went winless in a five-game season, cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

FIU guard Shane McGough is a Gaither High School alum. (Courtesy of Florida International University athletics)

But the 6-foot-2, 302-pound center was one of the few positives, a team captain who pushed bodies for an offense that averaged 160.4 rushing yards. His production up front in the trenches earned him a spot on the All-Conference USA Honorable Mention team.

All told, McGough played in 40 career games, moving between the guard and center positions. He is noted for being part of an offensive line that allowed just 14 sacks in 2019 and a school-record low eight sacks in 2018, which ranked first in the conference and third overall in the nation.

Aside from his natural strength and line-moving abilities, McGough earns positive marks from coaches and teammates for his work ethic and lead-by-example demeanor.

FIU offensive line coach Jose Rodriguez offered a glowing review of McGough on the school’s official athletics website, FIUSports.com.

“Shane is part of a dying breed, as a guy who just gets it,” Rodriguez said. “He’s played and had successful experience. It’s one thing to just play and get your butt beat…but he’s had successful experience and knows what it takes from a preparation standpoint or in terms of training in the offseason.

“He also has great leadership qualities because when he speaks, people listen. Part of that is because he has so much experience and part of that is his demeanor, in general. Having a guy like that in your room is great, because you can always use him as an example and someone you can lean on when you want something done. Him being unselfish and a team player is great, as well, because it just makes everyone want to listen and do as he does.”

McGough is now readying for the 2021 NFL Draft, appearing in various all-star games such as Tropical Bowl and College Gridiron Showcase.

In chasing his pro football dreams, McGough could get an opportunity to play alongside or against his older brother Alex, a seventh-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft who’s bounced around the league as a quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans.

At Gaither, McGough was a three-year varsity letter winner and a two-way player seeing action at offensive and defensive line. He earned All-Hillsborough and All-Western Conference recognition along the way, too.

Interestingly, McGough was rather lightly recruited coming out of high school in 2015, perhaps because he was an undersized lineman by Division I FBS standards at the time, hovering around 250 pounds.

Scott Patchan
College: Colorado State University, graduate defensive end
Local tie: Freedom High School

Amid a season cut in half because of COVID-19, Scott Patchan sure made the most of his opportunities in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Colorado State defensive lineman Scott Patchan played his first three prep seasons at Freedom High School before transferring to IMG Academy his senior year. (Courtesy of Colorado State University athletics)

In just four games, the 6-foot-6, 255-pound edge rusher tallied 5.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss overall, adding 22 total tackles and three quarterback hurries — earning first-team All-Mountain West honors in the process.

Moreover, Patchan won on 24% of his pass rushes, securing a pressure on 19% – both figures leading Mountain West players by 3.5 percentage points, according to metrics from the scouting website Pro Football Focus.

Patchan will have further opportunity to add to his resume, as he’s stated he will return to the program in 2021 with the extra season of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the pandemic.

Colorado State defensive line coach Antoine Smith underscored Patchan’s qualities in a profile piece for the university’s official athletics website, CSURams.com.

“He doesn’t leave anything to chance,” Smith said. “Some guys talk. He doesn’t talk. He just comes and works every day and he’s very passionate about how he works and takes care of his body. He is a true athlete who loves performing. That’s pretty awesome.”

Patchan transferred to Colorado State after spending the prior five seasons at the University of Miami, where he battled two season-ending knee surgeries and even made a position switch to tight end before moving back to his natural defensive end spot.

Locally, Patchan played his first three years of prep ball at Freedom High before transferring to Bradenton’s IMG Academy for his senior season.

His final run at Freedom in 2013 proved most productive, as he totaled 8.5 sacks, 56 tackles and 24 tackles for loss. He went on to become one of the state’s most highly-touted prospects in his recruiting class, being courted by Florida State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State, UCLA and others.

Gridiron talent certainly runs deep in Patchan’s family. Patchan’s father Matt III won national titles with the Hurricanes in 1983 and ’87; His older brother, Matt II, was an offensive lineman at the University of Florida and Boston College.

Michael Penix Jr., quarterback
College: Indiana University, redshirt sophomore
Local tie: Dade City native, Pasco High School

Michael Penix Jr., was rapidly becoming a household name in the big-time college football lexicon until a torn ACL in his right knee prematurely ended his redshirt sophomore campaign in late November.

Indiana quarterback Mike Penix Jr., a Dade City native who played at Pasco High School for two seasons. (File)

The 6-foot-3, 218-pound left-handed signal-caller ended the year with six games played, spurring Indiana University to one of its best starts in program history with a 5-1 mark and No. 12 nationally ranking in the process.

Penix’s individual stats were likewise flashy — posting a 56.4% completion rate for 1,645 passing yards, and 14 touchdowns with four interceptions and two rushing touchdowns — solid enough for second-team All-Big Ten honors.

There were several notable moments along the way for the Dade City native, too.

Penix was responsible for a 2-point conversion that lifted the Hoosiers over Penn State in overtime of the season opener. Meanwhile, he passed for a career-high 491 yards and five touchdowns Nov. 21 in Indiana’s narrow 42-35 loss to No. 4 Ohio State. The 491 passing yards were second-most in program history, trailing only Richard Lagow’s 496-yard output in a 2016 win over Wake Forest.

The ability to stay on the field has remained an issue, however.

Injuries have cut short all three of Penix’s seasons at Indiana. He suffered a clavicle injury in November 2019 that required surgery. He also tore his ACL in his right knee in 2018.

Prior to his move north to Bloomington, Penix played his freshman and sophomore prep seasons at Pasco High School in 2014 and 2015, then transferred to Tampa Bay Technical High School for his junior and senior years. He was a baseball, basketball, and track and field standout along the way, too.

Also notable: Penix’s father, Mike Sr., was an All-State tailback/defensive back at Pasco High in the early ’90s.

Raymond Woodie III
College: Florida State University, sophomore defensive back
Local tie: Carrollwood Day School/Wiregrass Ranch High School

Raymond Woodie III enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign for Florida State University, compiling more playing time and production for a team in transition under new head coach Mike Norvell.

Florida State sophomore defensive back Raymond Woodie III — who has now transferred to Cal-Berkeley — played his freshman and sophomore prep seasons at Carrollwood Day School, before moving to three other schools, including Wiregrass Ranch High School. (Courtesy of Florida State University athletics)

Suiting up for each of the team’s nine games and making two starts, the 6-foot, 194-pound defensive back totaled 25 tackles, 2.5 for loss with 0.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup. Among the notable showings was a game-high seven tackles at Louisville on Oct. 24.

It was all a step in the right direction from his freshman year — where he appeared in 10 games and recorded nine tackles, including 1.5 for loss with 1.0 sacks and one forced fumble.

Despite an enhanced role at FSU, Woodie has opted to take his talents to the West Coast — recently transferring to the University of California-Berkeley.

Woodie joins the Cal program this month with three seasons of collegiate eligibility remaining, which includes the additional year of eligibility granted by the NCAA to all fall sports athletes due to the effect of COVID-19 on the 2020 campaign.

“We are excited to have Raymond join our program,” Cal head coach Justin Wilcox said of Woodie in a news release from the Cal athletics department. “He is a talented football player and adds significant experience to our defensive backfield. I expect him to have an opportunity to make an immediate impact on our team.”

Before entering the college ranks, Woodie experienced quite the circuitous high school career, where he attended four different schools in as many years.

Woodie played his high school freshman and sophomore seasons at Carrollwood Day, working at quarterback, wide receiver and safety, earning All-Hillsborough County honors along the way.

Woodie then attended Wiregrass Ranch High and went through spring and summer team football workouts leading into his junior season, but wound up finishing his prep days at Sheldon High (Eugene, Oregon) and Florida State University High (Tallahassee). (These far-reaching moves were a result of following his father’s budding college coaching journey at University of Oregon and Florida State, respectively.)

From Carrollwood Day onward, Woodie emerged as a blue-chip prospect, designated as a four-star recruit in the 2019 class by ESPN and Rivals.com. He was ranked as high as the nation’s No. 9 safety and No. 158 player overall by ESPN.

Published January 27, 2021

Filed Under: Local Sports Tagged With: Carrollwood Day School, college football, Colorado State University, Devontres Odoms-Dukes, Florida International University, Florida State University, Freedom High School, Gaither High School, Indiana University, Michael Penix Jr., onovan Jennings, Pasco High School, Raymond Woodie III, Scott Patchan, Shane McGough, University of South Florida, Wharton High School, Wiregrass Ranch High School

All-Pasco County girls fall awards announced

January 19, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

High school coaches from Pasco County Schools recently announced Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) All-Conference Teams, Athletes of the Year and Coaches of the Year, for the 2020-2021 fall sports season.

Selections were made for both the East and West divisions.

The following high schools from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were represented in the East: Cypress Creek, Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills.

Here is a listing of girls team and individual recipients within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area for golf, swimming & diving, and volleyball.

(NOTE: The Laker/Lutz News published the Boys All-Conference listings in its Jan. 13 edition.)

Fall Sports (Girls)

After winning the Sunshine Athletic Conference Championship, the Sunlake High varsity girls cross-country team claimed a district crown, finished runner-up at regionals, then placed 10th at the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state championships. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School)

SAC East All-Conference Cross-Country
Team Champion: Sunlake
Coach of the Year: Randal Reeves, Sunlake
Runner of the Year: Shannon Gordy, Sunlake

First-Team
Shannon Gordy, Sunlake, senior
Ashley Spires, Sunlake, senior
Caitlyn Culpepper, Sunlake, junior
Annie Winborn, Sunlake, sophomore
Shelby Viseur, Sunlake, junior
Maranda Hildebrand, Land O’ Lakes, junior
Alanta Lofton, Sunlake, sophomore

Second-Team
Samantha Scott, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
Sarah Ellingson, Sunlake, junior
Abigail Williams, Sunlake, freshman
Hannah Sheen, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
Agnes Hernandez, Pasco, senior
Mya Hill, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Carlie Ortiz, Cypress Creek, freshman

Honorable Mention
Madison Poe, Zephyrhills, junior
Amanda Walford, Wesley Chapel, sophomore

Wiregrass Ranch senior golfer Norah Catlin finishes her prep career earning All-Pasco County honors a fourth-straight year. (File)

SAC East All-Conference Golf
Team Champion: Sunlake
Coach of the Year: Austi Dial, Sunlake
Golfer of the Year: Taylor Zachary, Sunlake

First-Team
Taylor Zachary, Sunlake, junior
Tiffany Colin, Cypress Creek, sophomore
Norah Catlin, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Alyssa Mixon, Sunlake, freshman
Carmen Phousirith, Cypress Creek, sophomore

Second-Team
Helena Potter, Sunlake, junior
Hailey Stricker, Sunlake, freshman
Annamarie Ratican, Cypress Creek, sophomore
Evelyn Randall, Pasco, junior
Emma Huff, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Honorable Mention
Brooke Baldus, Zephyrhills, junior
Brianna D’Agostino, Wesley Chapel, junior

The Land O’ Lakes High varsity girls volleyball team went a perfect 6-0 against East Pasco County foes. (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes athletics department)

SAC East All-Conference Volleyball
Team Champion: Land O’ Lakes
Coach of the Year: Brittany Collison, Wesley Chapel
Player of the Year: Jordan Danielson, Wesley Chapel

First-Team
Gracie Stanley, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Catie Cordova, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Brette Heymann, Sunlake
Kylie Ciani, Sunlake, junior
Chloe Danielson, Wesley Chapel, sophomore
Zoe Evans, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Caitie Grimes, Land O’ Lakes, junior

Second-Team
Kayla Baer, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
Kaitlyn Klemm, Land O’ Lakes, junior
Laynee Marsee, Pasco, senior
Mercedes Krueger, Zephyrhills, senior
Leah Vrabec, Cypress Creek, junior
Alice Stryker, Sunlake, sophomore
Amiya Oliver, Wesley Chapel, senior

The Land O’ Lakes varsity girls swimming team narrowly finished runner-up to Mitchell High at the 2020 Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) championship, representing the best showing among all East Pasco County schools. The Gators tallied 403 points to Mitchell’s 419 at the meet, at Trinity YMCA. Third place went to Wiregrass Ranch High (332). (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes athletics department)

SAC East All-Conference Swimming and Diving
Team Champion: Land O’ Lakes
Coach of the Year: Karen Westerman, Sunlake
Swimmer of the Year: Maryam Khalil, Wiregrass Ranch
Diver of the Year: Isa Monagas, Sunlake

First Team
200 medley relay: Sunlake (1:53.09) — Amber Ewald, junior; Lilli Hilt, junior; Madi Houck, sophomore; Alex Sprague, senior
200 freestyle: Apryl Paquette, Land O’ Lakes, senior (1:57.62)
200 individual medley: Catherine Pinkos, Land O’ Lakes, junior (2:13.13)
50 freestyle: Maryam Khalil, Wiregrass Ranch, junior (24.28)
100 butterfly: Ava Edwards, Land O’ Lakes, freshman (59.35)
100 freestyle: Alex Sprague, Sunlake, senior (54.85)
500 freestyle: Apryl Paquette, Land O’ Lakes, senior (5:15.10)
200 freestyle relay: Sunlake (1:40.17) — Madi Houck, sophomore; Amber Ewald, junior; Lilli Hilt, junior; Alex Sprague, senior
100 backstroke: Madi Houck, Sunlake, sophomore (58.56)
100 breaststroke: Maryam Khalil, Wiregrass Ranch, junior (1:05.52)
400 freestyle relay: Land O’ Lakes (3:56.12) — Jahzara Ramsey, freshman; Sandali Idippili-Pathiran, freshman; Catherine Pinkos, junior; Apryl Paquette, senior
Diver: Isa Monagas, Sunlake, senior (442.55)

Second-Team
200 medley relay: Wiregrass Ranch (2:05.34) — Sabrina Salas, freshman; Emma Boyle, junior; Jenna Darland, sophomore; Katie Wieckowski, junior
200 freestyle: Leah Fonnotto, Sunlake, junior (2:06.27)
200 individual medley: Abigail Hahm, Land O’ Lakes, freshman (2:20.34)
50 freestyle: Aubrey Vaile, Wesley Chapel, freshman (26.40)
100 butterfly: Aubrey Vaile, Wesley Chapel, freshman (1:07.38)
100 freestyle: Jenna Darland, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore (1:00.76)
500 freestyle: Leah Fonnotto, Sunlake, junior (5:30.76)
200 freestyle relay: Wesley Chapel (1:53.68) — Aubrey Vaile, freshman; Victoria Vaile, junior; Savannah Stevens, sophomore; Annalyse Rogers, junior
100 backstroke: Abigail Hahm, Land O’ Lakes, freshman (1:05.60)
100 breaststroke: Katie Madley, Sunlake, freshman (1:16.60)
400 freestyle relay: Wiregrass Ranch (4:12.61) — Kat Fleming, junior; Sasha Simonovik, junior; Sidney Thompson, junior; Ella Blakewood, junior
Diver: Abby Galo, Wiregrass Ranch, junior (383.35)

Honorable Mention
Sarah Davidson, Pasco, sophomore
Abigail Conner, Zephyrhills, sophomore
Julia Spielberger, Cypress Creek, sophomore

Published January 20, 2021

Filed Under: Local Sports Tagged With: Cypress Creek High, Land O' Lakes High, Pasco County Schools, Pasco High, SAC, Sunlake High, Sunshine Athletic Conference, Wesley Chapel High, Wiregrass Ranch High, Zephyrhills High

All-Pasco County fall awards announced

January 12, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

High school coaches from Pasco County Schools recently announced Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) All-Conference Teams, Athletes of the Year and Coaches of the Year, for the 2020-2021 fall sports season.

Selections were made for both the East and West divisions.

The following high schools from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were represented in the East: Cypress Creek, Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills.

Here is a listing of boys team and individual recipients within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area for cross-country, football, golf, and swimming & diving.

(NOTE: The Laker/Lutz News will publish the Girls All-Conference listings in its Jan. 20 edition.)

Fall Sports (Boys)

It’s no surprise the Sunlake Seahawks was named Sunshine Athletic Conference East’s Cross-Country Boys Team of the Year for the 2020-2021 season. The Seawhawks captured conference, district and regional titles, then finished state runner-up at the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) Class 3A championship meet. (File)

SAC East All-Conference Cross-Country
Team Champion: Sunlake
Coach of the Year: Randal Reeves, Sunlake
Runner of the Year: Colby Robbins, Sunlake

First-Team
Colby Robbins, Sunlake, junior
Alex Pena, Sunlake, sophomore
Sebastian Hernandez, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Zach Poekert, Cypress Creek, sophomore
Cade Whitfield, Sunlake, senior
Cason Meyer, Sunlake, junior
Andres Alfonso-Herrera, Sunlake, junior

Second-Team
Romal Estemcdonald, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Brandon Castillo, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Max Goserud, Sunlake, junior
Jaime Candelaria, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
Nathan Lee, Sunlake, sophomore
Joseph Obradovich, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Dalton Sellengs, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore

Honorable Mention
William Poe, Zephyrhills, freshman
Cole Couch, Wesley Chapel, junior
River Cole, Pasco, junior

The Zephyrhills Bulldogs varsity football team finished the 2020 season with an 8-3 mark and an appearance in the Class 5A regional semifinal. The Bulldogs — after dropping its first two games to start the season — reeled off eight straight wins until falling to Orlando’s Jones High in the playoffs. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills High School Athletics Department)

SAC East All-Conference Football
Team Champion: Zephyrhills
Offensive Player of the Year: Rocco Becht, Wiregrass Ranch
Defensive Player of the Year: Mitch Hammond, Sunlake

First-Team Offense
QB: Rocco Becht, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
RB: Zyre Roundtree, Zephyrhills, senior
RB: Kenny Walker, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
WR: Bryson Rodgers, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
WR: Nehemiah Morgan, Wesley Chapel, junior
TE: Grady Clower, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
OL: Isaac Tavo, Land O’ Lakes, senior
OL: Gabe Thompson, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
OL: Quinn Hewitt, Sunlake, junior
OL: Brian Ashmore, Zephyrhills, senior
OL: Kaleb Rivera, Wesley Chapel, senior

First-Team Defense/Special Teams
DL: Maguire Neal, Zephyrhills, junior
DL: Zavian McKinnon, Land O’ Lakes, senior
DL: Dajuan McCullough, Zephyrhills, senior
DL: Chris Pressley, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
LB: Gabe Barnes, Pasco, senior
LB: Mitch Hammond, Sunlake, junior
LB: Theotis Smith, Zephyrhills
LB: Aydon Roysdon, Wesley Chapel, junior
DB: Julian Galdos, Sunlake, senior
DB: Grady Clower, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
DB: Nick Sheldon, Zephyrhills, junior
P: Spencer DeLessio, Sunlake, senior
K: Colton Corrao, Cypress Creek, junior
Utility: Tre Gallimore, Zephyrhills, senior

Second-Team Offense
QB: Owen Walls, Cypress Creek, junior
RB: Jaylin Thomas, Zephyrhills, junior
RB: Jaylan Blake, Wesley Chapel, junior
WR: Dontrell Clerkley, Cypress Creek, junior
WR: Merrick Simmons, Cypress Creek, junior
TE: Owen Libby, Wesley Chapel, senior
OL: Paul-Andre Tre, Cypress Creek, senior
OL: Briac Riles, Wesley Chapel, junior
OL: Dajuan McCullough, Zephyrhills, senior
OL: Tucker Schwab, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
OL: Jarrian Galyan, Zephyrhills, senior

Second-Team Defense/Special Teams
DL: Jaden Haynes, Wesley Chapel, sophomore
DL: Vincent Tre, Cypress Creek, sophomore
DL: Will Arnett, Sunlake, senior
DL: Tyree Thomas, Wesley Chapel, senior
LB: Josh Poleon, Wesley Chape, sophomore
LB: Larence Graham, Zephyrhills, sophomore
LB: Matt Hensley, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
LB: Amir Burgess, Pasco, senior
DB: Broden Guirl, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
DB: Jonathan Lee, Pasco, senior
DB: Clayton Cornelius Zephyrhills, senior
P: Zachary Hammer, Land O’ Lakes, senior
K: Daniel Lester, Sunlake, junior
Utility: Owen Libby, Wesley Chapel, senior

Honorable Mention(s)
Manuel Torres, Pasco, senior
Tyler Adcock, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Garrett Meredith, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Craig Kailimai, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Gabriel Kolakoff, Cypress Creek, senior
Collin Ostapchuk, Cypress Creek, senior
Mike Barber, Zephyrhills, senior

Cypress Creek’s Connor Newbold, right, was the only freshman boys golfer to earn All-Sunshine Athletic Conference East honors, as a first-team selection. Newbold also was an individual qualifier at the FHSAA Class 2A state championships in November. Newbold stands with Cypress Creek golf coach Rob Patterson. (File)

SAC East All-Conference Golf
Team Champion: Sunlake
Coach of the Year: Bob Kamps, Sunlake
Golfer of the Year: TJ Floberg, Pasco

First-Team
TJ Floberg, Pasco, senior
Connor Newbold, Cypress Creek, freshman
Max Barile, Sunlake, senior
Cody Williams, Sunlake, junior
Scott Atkins, Pasco, senior

Second-Team
Fab Laude, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Michael Depue, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Logan Jackson, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Nathan Dube, Cypress Creek, senior
Trevor Myers, Zephyrhills, senior

Honorable Mention
Chase Hanson, Wesley Chapel, senior

Land O’ Lakes senior Zuri Ramsey was named Sunshine Athletic Conference East Boys Swimmer of the Year, for a second straight season. (File)

SAC East All-Conference Swimming and Diving
Team Champion: Land O’ Lakes
Coach of the Year: Jen Gaete, Land O’ Lakes
Swimmer of the Year: Zuri Ramsey, Land O’ Lakes
Diver of the Year: Mason Gandy, Land O’ Lakes

First-Team
200 medley relay: Land O’ Lakes (1:37.12) — Michael McCloskey, sophomore; Griffin Sutek, senior; Garret McNab, freshman; Zuri Ramsey, senior

200 freestyle: Clyde Crouse, Cypress Creek, senior (1:42.43)

200 individual medley: Noah Porter, Wiregrass Ranch, junior (2:00.78)

50 freestyle: Zuri Ramsey, Land O’ Lakes, senior (20.51)

100 butterfly: Noah Porter, Wiregrass Ranch, junior (53.84)

100 freestyle: Zuri Ramsey, Land O’ Lakes, senior (45.87)

500 freestyle: Clyde Crouse, Cypress, senior (4:40.35)

Land O’ Lakes senior Mason Gandy was named Sunshine Athletic Conference East Boys Diver of the Year, for a second straight year. (File)

200 freestyle relay: Land O’ Lakes (1:30.19) — Michael McCloskey, sophomore; Griffin Sutek, senior; Garret McNab, freshman; Zuri Ramsey, senior

100 backstroke: Michael McCloskey, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore (57.71)

100 breaststroke: Griffin Sutek, Land O’ Lakes, senior (59.53)

400 freestyle: Wiregrass Ranch (3:19.06) — Manny Silva, senior; Noah Porter, junior; Matt Gomez, senior; Kevin Chen, junior

Diver: Mason Gandy, Land O’ Lakes, senior (430.45)

Second-Team
200 medley relay: Sunlake (1:45.80) — Caiden DeTillio, Sunlake, freshman; Alex Thai, sophomore; Jackson Houck, sophomore; Tien Duong, sophomore

200 freestyle: Aidyn Rosochowicz, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore

200 individual medley: Tien Duong, Sunlake, sophomore

50 freestyle: Alex Thai, Sunlake, sophomore (23.05)

100 butterfly: RB Childers, Wiregrass Ranch, junior (59.84)

100 freestyle: Aidyn Rosochowicz, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore (54.65)

500 freestyle: Clay Ballash, Cypress Creek, freshman (5:11.15)

200 freestyle relay: Sunlake (1:36.06) — Caiden DeTillio, freshman; Alex Thai, sophomore; Jackson Houck, sophomore; Tien Duong, sophomore

100 backstroke: Caiden DeTillio, Sunlake, freshman (59.54)

100 breaststroke: Alex Thai, Sunlake, sophomore (1:02.35)

400 freestyle relay: Land O’ Lakes (3:48.41) — Aidyn Rosochowicz, sophomore; Liam Grubaugh, sophomore; Krishnavamsi Chundi, sophomore; Sebastian Arbelaez, senior

Diver: Jace Beckwith, Cypress Creek, freshman (358.95)

Published January 13, 2021

Filed Under: Local Sports Tagged With: Cypress Creek High School, Land O' Lakes High School, Pasco County Schools, Pasco High School, SAC All-Conference, Sunlake High School, Sunshine Athletic Conference, Wesley Chapel High School, Wiregrass Ranch High School, Zephyrhills High School

New year in sports to deliver joy, excitement, adventure

January 5, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

As we embark on a new year, the sports world within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area promises to deliver plenty to watch, experience and appreciate.

Here is a sampling of what’s ahead in 2021:

Wesley Chapel’s AdventHealth Center Ice will host the United States Premier Hockey League. (File)

Elite junior hockey at Center Ice
The AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel may best be known for housing the 2017-2018 U.S. women’s national ice hockey team in its historic run to winning an Olympic gold medal.

The 150,500-square-foot facility — the largest ice rink south of New York — also will play host to another prestigious hockey group in 2021.

The United States Premier Hockey League — one of the nation’s top junior-level development programs — announced plans to play a six-weeklong, 20-game schedule across Center Ice’s four sheets of ice, beginning in January.

Using a “Hub City” concept, teams and players throughout the country will lodge at nearby Saddlebrook Resort, in between games and practices at Center Ice.

Some these players will wind up playing collegiate and maybe even professional hockey.

Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center in Zephyrhills (File)

Zephyrhills tennis center to host pro tournament
The newly opened Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center soon will begin living up to its promise of being a national and international draw.

The multimillion sports complex will host a $25,000 United States Tennis Association (USTA) Pro Circuit Event from Jan. 25 through Jan. 31.

The competition will feature 32 women’s singles players and 16 doubles teams — which encompasses some of the world’s top pros who are also slated to compete in the Australian Open.

The prestigious tourney is expected to be an annual affair at the facility, at 6585 Simons Road in Zephyrhills.

(Courtesy of Tampa Bay Sports Commission)

Super Bowl LV in Tampa
America’s most-watched sporting event — the Super Bowl — will take center stage at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7.

The community and economic impact to the surrounding area — even amid the COVID-19 pandemic — is sure to spread northwards through Hillsborough and Pasco counties, in the form of hotel stays, restaurant patronage and leisure about town. Several ancillary Super Bowl events and outreach programs have already been scheduled in those areas, too.

Also, don’t be shocked if a former local prep star (or more) is a part of contending teams in the 55th edition of the NFL championship game.

Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet hones his shooting at Saint Leo University’s Marion Bowman Activities Center. (File)

Toronto Raptors call Tampa home, temporarily
As if history wasn’t already made with Super Bowl being in Tampa this year, the NBA’s Toronto Raptors are playing at least the first half of its 2020-2021 home slate at Amalie Arena on Channelside.

A limited number of fans are being allowed to the games, so it’s a good opportunity to be a part of a rare occurrence and see some of the sport’s most talented players in the world, not too far from your backyard.

There’s also a further local connection: The Raptors had their two-weeklong preseason training camp at Saint Leo University’s Marion Bowman Activities Center, back in December.

The Bishop McLaughlin varsity boys basketball program may be a state title contender. (Courtesy of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School)

Bishop’s ballers
The Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School varsity boys basketball team has quickly established itself as one of the area’s highest-scoring and high-flying squads since beginning its 2020-2021 season in November.

The team features a junior trio of bona fide Division I prospects in 6-foot-4 guard Antonio Davis Jr., 6-foot-7 forward Dillon Mitchell and 6-foot-4 guard Emanuel Sharp, who last year led the state in scoring (31.9 points per game) while at Tampa’s Blake High School. An example of the Hurricanes dominance: They defeated Land O’ Lakes High School 80-34 in an early December contest. The team is coached by former USF and Israel pro standout Derrick Sharp.

With all that talent, perhaps a state title is in the team’s reach come early March? Wait to see.

Florida’s high school spring sports, like track and field, are expected to make their long-awaited returning after being canceled last March amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (File)

Spring can’t come soon enough
The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out most, if not all, of last year’s Florida high school spring sports season throughout Florida from March onward, as a matter of health and safety.

The long-awaited return of these athletic events — baseball, lacrosse, softball, tennis, track and field, boys volleyball, water polo, boys weightlifting — should yield special (and emotional) moments for countless athletes, fans, coaches and parents alike.

Perhaps a few records will be broken and championships won by locals will occur along the way, too.

Worth noting: The area generates its fair share of the state’s strongest baseball, softball and track and field programs, among others.

Bored? Take a hike
Still suffering from pandemic-induced cabin fever? Perhaps some fresh air and outdoor exercise in a local park or preserve can clear the homebound blues.

Hillsborough County’s Hiking Spree continues through March 31. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

That can be done via Hillsborough County’s fifth annual Hiking Spree, which challenges participants to complete at least eight trail hikes from November through March 31.

The Hiking Spree’s trail list this year features 25 different trails at 20 locations throughout the county.

And, several of those sites fall within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area: Carrollwood Village Neighborhood Park, Peterson Road Park, Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Lake Rogers Conservation Park, Lake Dan Nature Preserve and Cypress Creek Nature Preserve.

Participants may hike on their own, or in a group setting with friends and family. Some sites have entrance and parking fees. Hikers may repeat any trail twice for credit, as long as the hikes occur on different dates.

Aside from the feeling of accomplishment, those who complete the hiking extravaganza earn their choice of a patch, medallion for a walking stick, or a dog bandana.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash, a Lutz native and Gaither High alum (File)

Lutz native again leads Tampa Bay Rays
The new year should again generate another fruitful campaign for Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash, a Lutz native and Gaither High School alumnus.

Prospects remain high for a Cash-led club that reached Game 6 of the 2020 World Series and finished with the best record in the American League during a pandemic-delayed and shortened season.

Also, expect to see and hear more of the reigning AL Manager of the Year in the new year, given the MLB is seeking terms resembling pre-pandemic levels, probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 130 to 162 regular season games, plus spring training.

However long the 2021 slate, the Rays will be fighting its third-straight playoff berth under the 43-year-old Cash, entering his seventh season as Rays skipper.

Sunlake High School product Tommy Mace is now a standout pitcher at the University of Florida. (File)

Preps to pros
The annual MLB Draft creates an opportunity for boyhood dreams of becoming a professional baseball player to become true.

Each year, about a handful of area high school or college prospects are taken in the draft —offered anywhere from thousands to hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars to play America’s greatest pastime.

At least one name to watch in the July event is former Sunlake High School right-handed pitcher Tommy Mace, now a senior at the University of Florida. Various baseball outlets believe the 6-foot-6 Mace has the potential to be a first round pick, which could mean a signing bonus of several million dollars.

In three varsity seasons at Sunlake from 2015 to 2017, Mace posted a 19-6 record, 1.65 ERA and 196 strikeouts across 165.2 innings pitches. He also guided the Seahawks to the 2017 Class 7A regional finals.

Bay Scallop season in Pasco County runs from July 16 through July 25. (File)

Seeking an outdoor adventure? Try scalloping
Grab a snorkel, a swim mask and some fins because recreational scallop season returns again this summer in Pasco County.

The now annual 10-day bay scallop season in Pasco County is tentatively scheduled from July 16 through July 25. It begins the third Friday in July each year.

The county’s scallop zone encompasses all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, and includes all waters of the Anclote River.

The outdoor family friendly activity of hunting for scallops is often referred to as an underwater Easter egg hunt.

Requiring only basic swimming skills, the idea is to float along the top of the water until you spot scallop shells in Florida seagrass beds lying several feet underwater, then you grab them by hand, or with a landing or dip net.

Pasco is the southernmost county in Florida to offer a scallop season.

Published January 06, 2021

Filed Under: Local Sports Tagged With: AdventHealth Center Ice, Amalie Arena, Antonio Davis Jr., Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, Dillon Mitchell, Emanuel Sharp, Hiking Spree, Kevin Cash, MLB, NBA, Raymond James Stadium, Saint Leo University, Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, scalloping, Sunlake High School, Super Bowl LV, Tampa Bay Rays, Tommy Mace, Toronto Raptors, United States Premier Hockey League, United States Tennis Association, University of Florida, USTA

2020 had shining moments in sports, despite COVID-19 (Part 2)

December 29, 2020 By Kevin Weiss

New recreation facilities opened, prep teams competed for state titles and local athletes accomplished memorable achievements, despite challenges imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Here is a look at some of the top moments in sports, from across Pasco and Hillsborough counties, in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. (This is part two of a two-part series.)

Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus ready for play
Spacious, bio-cushioned hardwood floors sparkled under the lights.

Multisport electronic scoreboards operated without a hitch.

Myriad ceiling-hung basketball goals and volleyball nets were mechanically lowered and raised in minutes.

Area youth and adults will have access to the field house during weekdays, with the opportunity to participate in recreation leagues, camps and clinics. (File)

Centralized cheerleading/dance springboard floor was square for stunts and tumbling.

Adjacent outdoor multi-use grass fields were manicured and marked up for soccer, lacrosse and other events.

The Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County was officially game ready upon an Aug. 27 ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the site, at 3211 Lajuana Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Featuring 98,000 square feet of indoor space, the complex is hyped as a destination for local youth, school teams and adult athletes, while also playing host to a diverse set of regional, national and international level sports tournaments year-round, primarily in basketball, volleyball and cheerleading.

Underscoring its scope: the multi-use sports complex is large enough to hold either 16 volleyball games or eight full-court basketball games at any given time.

Two 35,500-square-foot gyms are separated by a cheer/dance studio, athletic training center and second-level mezzanine, set below 37-foot-high ceilings.

Furthermore, spacious floors can be converted to accommodate other sports, such as pickleball (up to 16 courts), futsal (up to eight courts), as well as large-scale wrestling, mixed martial arts (MMA) or karate tournaments.

The $29 million field house is the centerpiece of a $44 million public-private project.

In time, it will be phased to include seven outdoor multi-use fields and a 128-room hotel situated on 80 acres of land donated by the Porter family, one of the area’s leading cattle ranchers who established Wiregrass Ranch in 1942.

The athletics campus is a public-private partnership between the county, who owns the land and facility, and RADD Sports, a private sports management company tasked with handling day-to-day programming, maintenance and operations.

The complex is open for public use and local leagues Monday through Thursday, while Friday through Sunday will generally be reserved for attracting out-of-area tournaments.

Zephyrhills celebrates tennis center grand opening
An Oct. 17 grand opening celebration of the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center was serenaded in maybe the most Zephyrhills way possible — with a slew of skydiving parachute landings on the nearly 10-acre property, at 6585 Simons Road.

If the special event was any indication — even with the COVID-19 pandemic — the state-of-the art tennis complex may put the city on the map not unlike how the airborne extreme sport has for decades.

The new Sarah Vande Berg Wellness and Tennis Center hosted its grand opening celebration on Oct. 17. A gym, various wellness treatments, and opportunities for instruction are offered at the new facility, at 6585 Simons Road in Zephyrhills.

Over 400 mask-wearing visitors turned out to get a firsthand look at a finished product five years in the making — accomplished through myriad partnerships between city, state, and private investment and donations.

The $4.9 million tennis complex is labeled, “Tampa’s first boutique-style racquet sports and wellness club.”

It lives up to the billing through:

  • 11 regulation-sized outdoor tennis courts (nine clay surface, two hard surface)
  • Eight outdoor pickleball courts
  • Four outdoor padel courts
  • Outdoor multipurpose turf field
  • The nearly 8,000-square-foot indoor clubhouse, featuring a full-service restaurant/cafe, fitness center, salt room, yoga room, cryotherapy chamber and pro shop.

Though membership-based, guest users are encouraged to make court rentals and partake in other frills.

Besides being a public asset, the complex is expected to draw regional, national and international amateur and professional tournaments in tennis, pickleball and padel.

The facility is named in honor of Sarah Vande Berg, a former Zephyrhills High School district champion and three-time state qualifier who died in an automobile accident in South Carolina at the age of 21, on Oct. 11, 2015.

The tennis center venture is a public-private partnership between the City of Zephyrhills and Pascal Collard, a longtime tennis pro and instructor serving as the facility’s CEO.

The municipality owns the state-of-the-art tennis facility, but Collard is responsible for its day-to-day operations and programming.

Lutz native Kevin Cash manages Rays to World Series
Lutz native/Gaither High alum Kevin Cash came full circle with his baseball career when he managed the hometown Tampa Bay Rays to the sport’s grandest stage —the 2020 World Series.

The Rays did lose in six games to the Los Angeles Dodgers in late October at Globe Life Field, in Arlington, Texas.

The feat was still monumental, nonetheless.

Lutz native/Gaither High alum Kevin Cash managed the Tampa Bay Rays to the 2020 World Series, in Arlington, Texas. He was also crowned 2020 American League Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA).

The Rays manager had done yeoman’s work in guiding the squad to its second and deepest World Series appearance in franchise history — the other coming in 2008, where the team lost in five games to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Amid a logistically, emotionally taxing, pandemic-delayed, 60-game shortened season, Cash navigated historic feats out of a young, diverse team with a low payroll, dearth of superstars and household names that encountered a slew of injuries.

To place in perspective: Tampa Bay’s $28.3 million prorated payroll — third lowest in the Majors — paled in comparison to the $108.4 million sum of the Dodgers.

Also, the Rays had 15 different players serve a total of 20 injured-list stints. (On Sept. 1, they set a team-record-tying — not in a good way — 13 players unavailable for action.)

Weeks after guiding the Rays to the American League’s best regular season record (40-20) and the franchise’s second World Series berth in history, Cash deservedly was crowned 2020 AL Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA).

The 42-year-old Cash received 22 of 30 first-place votes and 126 total points in the BBWAA’s scoring to win over former Chicago White Sox manager Rick Renteria (61) and current Toronto Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo (47).

Cash’s ties to the local community run deep, meanwhile.

He grew up in the Valley Ranch Drive neighborhood across from Lake Park in Lutz, along North Dale Mabry Highway.

He was a 12-year-old second baseman on the 1989 Northside Little League team that reached the 43rd Little League World Series.

He would later star at Gaither and Florida State University through the mid- and late- 1990s before enjoying an eight-year MLB career as a journeyman catcher.

Following his playing career, Cash became a scout for the Toronto Blue Jays (2012) and then bullpen coach for the Cleveland Indians (2013-2014), before landing the Tampa Bay managerial gig in 2015.

Toronto Raptors hold training camp at Saint Leo
While the COVID-19 pandemic brought much angst to the sports world and beyond in 2020, it also led to some unique, if not positive, occurrences.

One of the most notable was the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Toronto Raptors hosting training camp at Saint Leo University’s Marion Bowman Activities Center, from Dec. 1 through Dec. 11.

Toronto Raptors veteran guard Fred VanVleet hones his jump shot inside Saint Leo University’s Marion Bowman Activities Center.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the franchise was unable to start the 2020-2021 regular season in Toronto due to Canada-U.S. border restrictions.

Needing a temporary home in the states, Raptors players voted that they preferred to begin their 2020-2021 season in Tampa over cities such as Buffalo, Fort Lauderdale, Louisville, Nashville and Newark.

As the franchise readied its temporary home at Channelside’s Amalie Arena and makeshift practice facility at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, the Raptors needed someplace nearby to hold its two weeklong training camp.

That’s when some deep coaching ties came to assist.

Saint Leo men’s basketball coach Lance Randall has known Raptors head coach Nick Nurse for over 20 years — a relationship dating back to when the pair were coaching against each other in Europe.

It was sometime in mid-November when Randall received a random text message from Nurse, inquiring about the college’s basketball facilities as a possible camp site as the team made preparations for a move stateside.

Randall subsequently went into recruiting pitch mode, self-assured the Bowman Center would be a slam dunk for the Raptors.

The Bowman Center has 10 basketball hoops, two-full sized courts and a 4,444 square-foot weight room.

The facility also has a balcony overlooking the practice gym, which allowed team scouts and management to get a bird’s-eye view of all the action.

Add to that a serene setting devoid of distractions in rural East Pasco County off State Road 52, some 35 miles north of the team’s downtown Tampa hotel stay.

Multiple in-person visits by Raptors officials to campus sealed the deal, the amenities clearly to their liking.

For the duration of Raptors training camp, buses shuttled players, coaches and officials to Saint Leo, generally between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., each day.

As many as four shuttle buses could be seen parked at any one time next to the Bowman Center.
Raptors management strived to normalize the temporary setting, wrapping the university’s fitness center, end mats and other portions of the arena in team logos and its signature red and black color scheme.

On the whole, the Raptors came away quite pleased with the university’s athletic facilities and community welcoming.

“I think it’s been great,” Raptors all-star power forward Pascal Siakam said of the training camp experience at Saint Leo. “I would say we’ve been blessed to be able to have a facility like that. Definitely a shoutout to Saint Leo for letting us use the gym and be a part of what they have here.
“I think it’s been great just being here and having everything under one roof. I just know, obviously, we appreciate it as a team.”

Published December 30, 2020

Filed Under: Local Sports Tagged With: Amalie Arena, Baseball Writers' Association of America, Charlie Montoyo, Chicago White Sox, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, Kevin Cash, Lajuana Boulevard, Lance Randall, Los Angeles Dodgers, Lutz, Marion Bowman Activities Center, National Basketball Association, Nick Nurse, Pascal Collard, Pascal Siakam, Philadelphia Phillies, Rick Renteria, Saint Leo University, Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, World Series, Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills High School

2020 had shining moments in sports, despite COVID-19

December 22, 2020 By Kevin Weiss

New recreation facilities opened, prep teams competed for state titles and local athletes accomplished memorable achievements, despite challenges imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Here is a look at some of the top moments in sports, from across Pasco and Hillsborough counties, in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. (This is part one of a two-part series.)

Upon winning the Gasparilla Classic 8K women’s race, 11-year-old Elli Black poses for a photo with long-distance Olympic medalists Deena Kastor and Meb Keflezighi. (File)

Land O’ Lakes youth sets race record
Land O’ Lakes Elli Black didn’t just win the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 8K women’s race on Feb. 21, she became the youngest winner in the event’s 40-plus year history, at just 11 years old.

Black clocked 30:57 in the 4.97-mile course to best more than 2,200 female participants in the popular annual race on Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard. The second-place female finisher, St. Petersburg’s Mary Beth Layfield, 37, timed 32:23.

On becoming race champion and making history, Black said: “It’s a really big accomplishment and I’m really proud of myself, and I just know that I’ve been very blessed with a God-given talent, and I’m just really happy to be able to use it to the fullest.”

Previously, the event’s youngest winner was 13-year-old Ellie Pleune, who won the race in 2017, with a time of 31:13.

A home-schooled student, Black runs for Cambridge Christian School’s varsity girls cross-country and track teams.

The Sunlake High varsity girls weightlifting won its second consecutive state crown at the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) Class 2A State Weightlifting Championships in Panama City Beach.

Sunlake girls weightlifting repeat at states
For the second straight year, the Sunlake High School varsity girls weightlifting program cemented itself as the state’s top dog at the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) Class 2A State Weightlifting Championships in Panama City Beach.

Coached by Denise Garcia, the Seahawks tallied 28 points to edge second-place finisher Navarre High School (26) and third place Winter Springs High School (24) — to become back-to-back state champions on Feb. 15.

The Seahawks program experienced another milestone — as two weightlifters earned individual state titles in the same year: Seniors Gianna Levy (139 pounds) and Juliette Pacheco (169 pounds) took first place in their respective weight classes. Pacheco also set a state record 225-pound bench press in her weight class.

All told, five of Sunlake’s seven state lifters earned points with top-six finishes in the bench press and clean-and-jerk aggregate lifts.

  • Madison Guincho, junior — second place, 119-pound (180-160 — 340)
  • Gianna Levy, senior — first place, 139-pound (175-180 — 355)
  • Juliette Pacheco, senior — first place, 169-pound (225-185 — 410)
  • Brianna Caban, senior — third place, 183-pound (200-170—370)
  • Antoinette Farmer, senior—second place, 199-pound (210-190 — 400)
Land O’ Lakes High varsity boys basketball coach Dave Puhalski

Land O’ Lakes hoops coach retires after 31 years
Land O’ Lakes High School varsity boys basketball coach Dave Puhalski was finally ready for a timeout.

After 31 years roaming the Gators sidelines, barking orders, drawing up plays, and molding boys into young men, the longtime coach announced his retirement following the 2019-2020 season, which ended Feb. 25.

Puhalski’s swan song was a memorable one — sending off eight seniors to the tune of a 21-6 mark, a 5A-7 district title and an appearance in the 5A regional semifinals.

He exited as one of the longest-tenured and among the most-decorated coaches in Pasco County sports history.

Puhalski compiled a 479-349 career record since taking over the Gators program in 1988.
The coach frequently emphasized “rebounding the ball, taking care of the ball and defending the ball.”
He was particularly well-regarded for his defense-first mentality — a philosophy that centered heavily on the man-to-man variety, with little regard for zone defenses.

“We play man to man,” Puhalski once told The Laker/Lutz News. “In 31 years (at Land O’ Lakes), we’ve probably played a minute worth of zone.”

In total, Puhalski spent more than 35 years coaching hoops.

Before taking over at Land O’ Lakes, Puhalski was an assistant at state champion Ocala Vanguard for three seasons and an assistant at University of Tampa for a year.

He put the meaning of his retirement into perspective: “After 35 years, I’ve never had a Christmas vacation, (or) a Thanksgiving vacation; the month of June is all summer league, kids playing, so really, it’s just time.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) on April 20 announced it would cancel all FHSAA-affiliated events, including the state series and championships events, for spring sports.

Spring sports axed amid COVID-19
There was a glimmer of hope the 2020 Florida high school spring sports season would resume following its mid-March postponement, even through coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

But, optimism vanished when the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) on April 20 announced it would cancel all affiliated events for the remainder of the school year.

The cancellations included the state series and championships events, for all spring sports.

Affected FHSAA-sanctioned spring sports included baseball, flag football, lacrosse, softball, tennis, track & field, boys volleyball, water polo and boys weightlifting.

The statewide sports organization also then announced no additional eligibility would be granted for spring sport athletes, including seniors, “under the guidance of the Florida Department of Education regarding grade level retention, and upon review of Florida Statutes and FHSAA Bylaws.”

Just like that, high school senior athletic careers abruptly came to a close.

Several local athletes weighed in on the decision with The Laker/Lutz News, like Land O’ Lakes senior tennis standout Courtney Piltaver, a two-time Sunshine Athletic Conference East Girls Tennis Player of the Year who was poised to shine in her final high school tennis season.

“I was pretty upset because it was my senior year, and it really sucks that I didn’t get to enjoy the full season with my team and my coaches, and kind of just close out,” said Piltaver, who had signed a college scholarship with NCAA Division II University of Montevallo in Alabama.

Back on March 31, the FHSAA issued a statement that left open the possibility of a spring sports season, saying they could run from as soon as May 3 through June 30.

The FHSAA also indicated if a spring sports season is canceled altogether, it was working on a solution to create additional athletics eligibility for students who were unable to participate.
However, as days and weeks pressed on, many saw the writing on the wall that spring sports would not return this year, due to the pandemic.

A trio of locals were taken in the 2020 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft, broadcast nationally on June 10 and June 11.

Locals taken in 2020 MLB Draft
Childhood dreams of playing professional baseball became a reality for a couple athletes with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The Major League Baseball (MLB)’s 2020 first-year player draft was shortened to five rounds and 160 picks, from the usual 40 rounds in previous years, due to COVID-19.

The consolidated draft, however, didn’t stop some locals from hearing their name called — and seeing their bank accounts richen significantly  —  on Day 2 of the nationally televised draft on June 11.

  • The highest-drafted local was Steinbrenner High/Florida State product CJ Van Eyk, taken by the Toronto Blue Jays in the second round, at pick No. 42 overall. The 6-foot-1, 198-pound right-hander signed with the Blue Jays for $1.8 million.
  • Trinity native/Mitchell High catcher Jackson Miller was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the third round (65th overall). The 6-foot, 195-pound lefty signed with the Reds for $1.29 million.
  • The Philadelphia Phillies selected Wesley Chapel native/Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High/University of South Florida product Carson Ragsdale in the fourth round (116th overall). The 6-foot-8, 225 pound right-handed pitcher signed with the Phillies for $225,000.

All three players are expected to begin their pro careers in the minor league ranks come 2021.

Swimming & diving was one of six fall high school sports allowed to return to action on Aug. 24, following an FHSAA board decision to resume athletics, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Florida high school sports make fall return
After months of inactivity amid the COVID-19 pandemic, high school sports practices and games returned to action when Florida High School Athletic Association’s board members (FHSAA) voted 11-5 to allow member schools to begin fall sports on Aug. 24.

It signaled a long time coming, as prep sports had been in a sort of holding pattern since mid-March or so.

The FHSAA decision to all but immediately ramp up fall sports was far from easy — taking more than two hours of heated dialogue among board members during an Aug. 14 meeting at the Best Western Grand in Gainesville.

The contentious meeting was live-streamed for public viewing.

The organization’s decision contradicted a unanimous recommendation from the FHSAA’s 14-member Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC). That committee strongly advised sports not begin in any part of the state until the coronavirus is controlled, and declining in state and local regions. They also wanted to be able to study the impact of reopening schools on the COVID-19 infection rate, for at least a few weeks.

A majority of board members, however, voted in favor of bringing sports back for the fall, citing an overwhelming amount of support from student-athletes, parents, and even sport officials and school superintendents, from their respective district.

That point was emphasized when Jamie and Tami Kent spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.

As parents of a Tampa Cambridge Christian High School football player, they created an online petition titled “Let Us Play” attracting over 40,000 signatures urging the FHSAA to begin the fall sports season this month.

Those voices were heard, by the end of the day.

FHSAA executive director George Tomyn perhaps best summed up the board’s decision, which came at his recommendation.

“I’ve always thought of what can we do for our member schools, not what we cannot or will not be able to do,” Tomyn said at the meeting.

“I’m a firm believer in flexibility, especially in this challenging, challenging time that we’re in. I’m a firm believer in parental choice, and I’m a firm believer in local decision-making.”

Published December 23, 2020

Filed Under: Local Sports Tagged With: Carson Ragsdale, CJ Van Eyk, Dave Puhalski, Elli Black, FHSAA, Florida High School Athletic Association, Jackson Miller, Land O' Lakes High School, MLB Draft, Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 8K, Sunlake High School, Sunlake weightlifting

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Live Oak Theatre is now selling tickets for its Acorn Theatre production of “Aladdin jr.” Performances will be March 18 through March 28, at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville. Seats are $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 13 and younger, when accompanied by an adult. For show times and tickets, visit LiveOakTheatre.square.site, email , or call 352-593-0027. … [Read More...] about ‘Aladdin jr.’

03/05/2021 – Apple Pie Bombs

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer “Foodie Feast: Apple Pie Bombs” on March 5. Participants can learn how to make tasty, apple pie bombs. Watch the prerecorded video between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., online at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email Danielle Lee at . … [Read More...] about 03/05/2021 – Apple Pie Bombs

03/06/2021 – Bridal Trunk Show

The Gulfside Hospice New Port Richey Thrift Shoppe, 6117 State Road 54, will host a Bridal Trunk Show on March 6 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be more than 250 dresses to choose from, starting at $29.99 and many brand new. Admission is free, but limited spots are available to allow for social distancing. Brides must register online in advance, by March 3, at bit.ly/NPR-Bridal-Trunk-Show. All proceeds from the shop go to help hospice patients in Pasco County. For questions, contact Jeremi Sliger at , or call 727-842-7262. … [Read More...] about 03/06/2021 – Bridal Trunk Show

03/11/2021 – Economic security

The Pasco Unit of the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County will sponsor a panel discussion on “Economic Security in Pasco County During the COVID Outbreak” on March 11 at 7 p.m. Panelists will include Brian Hoben, community services director, Pasco County Public Services; Marcy Esbjerg, director of community development, Pasco County Public Services; Don Anderson, CEO, Pasco Homeless Coalition; and, Mike Bishop, director, Stakeholder Engagement, Pasco Economic Development Council. For information on how to register, email . … [Read More...] about 03/11/2021 – Economic security

03/13/2021 – ‘Grease’ event

T-Mobile will sponsor “Grease is the Word” on March 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. There will be a sing-along contest pitting Pasco County Fire Rescue against the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, a free movie “under the stars,” and a classic car show with prizes. There also will be food trucks and games. Admission is free. … [Read More...] about 03/13/2021 – ‘Grease’ event

03/13/2021 – Exhibitors needed

Demene Benjamin and UrEsteem will host “UrSelf: A Dabble in Self-Care” on March 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Exhibitors can be anyone who has a product or service to promote physical, mental and social health, including physical and massage therapists; counselors; churches; nail techs/hairstylists; yoga/pilates/exercise; or natural products. For information, call 813-334-6006, or email . … [Read More...] about 03/13/2021 – Exhibitors needed

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