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Kris Keppel

2015 marked by growth, loss, compassion

December 30, 2015 By B.C. Manion

New construction captured many headlines during the year 2015 in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

But, so did traffic issues and changes happening in area schools.

Other news chronicled setbacks and tragic losses. But, there were inspiring stories, too.

Tampa Premium Outlets, a 441,000-square-foot mall with 100-plus designer brand shops, opened in October off State Road 56, near the Interstate 75 interchange.

Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio held a dedication ceremony in February, to celebrate the school’s new brick classroom building. (File Photos)
Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio held a dedication ceremony in February, to celebrate the school’s new brick classroom building.
(File Photos)

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel embarked upon a $78 million expansion project – 2 ½ years ahead of schedule — to add 112,000 square feet and renovate 11,000.

Florida Hospital Center Ice, a new 150,000-square-foot sports facility, broke ground on Feb. 24. It will have an Olympic-sized hockey rink, four other rinks and the ability to accommodate other sports.

Lutz and Land O’ Lakes also saw their share of growth.

New homes and apartments are popping up along the State Road 54 corridor and along portions of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

A Lowe’s home improvement store opened on State Road 54, the Land O’ Lakes Community Park underwent a $2.3 million upgrade, and a new Pasco County Utilities Administration building opened off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41.

Just outside Dade City, an aerial adventure park, known as Tree Hoppers, began operation, and a number of new businesses have settled into the downtown historic district.

Of course, the new development has added to the area’s traffic jams, which won’t be resolved in the short term.

But, there are efforts being made to address the issue.

The Florida Department of Transportation is exploring solutions to address traffic flow at U.S. 41 and State Road 54. There are efforts to extend State Road 56 between Meadow Pointe and Zephyrhills, and, construction work continues at the I-75 and State Road 52 interchange.

On the education scene, there was a changing of the guard in top leadership at Saint Leo University, just outside Dade City. Dr. Arthur Kirk retired, and Dr. William J. Lennox Jr. assumed the top post.

Pasco-Hernando State College also has a new president, with Dr. Timothy Beard being named to the post after the retirement of Dr. Katherine Johnson.

This photo, taken in the 2014-2015 school year, gives an idea of the crowding that Wiregrass Ranch High was experiencing before it went to a 10-period school day. The school went to a staggered schedule this school year, to reduce the impacts of crowding.
This photo, taken in the 2014-2015 school year, gives an idea of the crowding that Wiregrass Ranch High was experiencing before it went to a 10-period school day. The school went to a staggered schedule this school year, to reduce the impacts of crowding.

The state college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch also hit a milestone, announcing that it would be surpassing the 3,000-student enrollment mark.

On another front, Sanders Memorial Elementary School reopened in Land O’ Lakes, as Pasco County Schools’ first magnet school. It is a STEAM school, with a curriculum that focuses on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

Pine View Middle School also launched an effort to become the public school district’s first International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.

And, Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel began operating on a 10-period school day, to reduce the number of students on campus at the same time.

A more permanent solution to Wiregrass Ranch’s overcrowding is expected to occur when the district opens a new school for grades six through 12 that is being constructed on Old Pasco Road.

In another change, the district adopted new boundaries for a new elementary school in Wesley Chapel, off Mansfield Boulevard, which is scheduled to open next fall.

The new school will relieve significant overcrowding at Seven Oaks Elementary. The boundary shifts, which were controversial, will increase enrollment at Denham Oaks Elementary in Lutz.

In other school news, St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz opened the Saint Paul II Youth Center and opened a new elementary school to house Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School.

Saint Anthony Catholic School also marked a milestone — dedicating a new brick classroom building in February.

While much of the news in 2015 was about progress and new beginnings, not all of the news was positive.

For instance, the GFWC Lutz Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club was forced to cancel its 36th annual arts and crafts show, because a sinkhole developed at Lake Park.

Chairman Ted Schrader, holding scissors, slices through the ribbon, as he and other dignitaries celebrated the opening of the Utilities Administration Building.
Chairman Ted Schrader, holding scissors, slices through the ribbon, as he and other dignitaries celebrated the opening of the Utilities Administration Building.

The annual two-day event, which has drawn about 30,000 shoppers a year, was the club’s biggest fundraiser. So, besides disappointing shoppers and about 300 vendors, the cancellation also will reduce the club’s ability to help scores of community organizations and charities.

The year also was marked by the passing of Land O’ Lakes cross country coach Kris Keppel and Laura Hauser, a former non-instructional employee of the year, who worked at Wesley Chapel Elementary before she became too ill to work. Both lost battles with cancer. And, car accidents claimed the lives of Pasco High student Jordan Ivie and Wesley Chapel High.

These deaths inspired demonstrations of respect, generosity, compassion and kindness — to help those grieving their loss.

In another show of support, the community of San Antonio rallied to hold a benefit for Lewis and Diane Riggleman, whose home was destroyed by fire.

Other uplifting moments involved Suellen Smith, the cafeteria manager at Zephyrhills High, who continues her tradition of collecting and giving away dress shirts, dress pants, gowns and dresses to help outfit young men and women for prom, homecoming, weddings and other special occasions.

Another big moment for 2015 involved Leigh Dittman, a Gaither High student from Lutz.

The 15-year-old recently reached a goal she set when she was 7: To raise $1 million for Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The young woman has a disorder known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease.

During a recent interview, she said she was motivated to raise the money for Shriners because of how giving it has been to her.

“They are such an amazing group of people, and they’ve given me so much, with my life. It seemed like the right thing to do,” Dittman said.

Published December 30, 2015

Filed Under: Top Story Tagged With: Arthur Kirk, Dade City, Denham Oaks Elementary, Diane Riggleman, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Hospital Center Ice, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, Gaither High School, GFWC Lutz-Land O' Lakes Woman's Club, Interstate 75, Katherine Johnson, Kris Keppel, Lake Park, Land O' Lakes Boulevard, Land O' Lakes Community Park, Laura Hauser, Leigh Dittman, Lewis Riggleman, Lutz, Mansfield Boulevard, Meadow Pointe, Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School, Old Pasco Road, Pasco County Utilities, Pasco-Hernando State College, Pine View Middle School, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, Saint Leo University, Saint Paul II Youth Center, Sanders Memorial Elementary School, Seven Oaks Elementary, Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Timothy Catholic Church, State Road 52, State Road 54, State Road 56, Suellen Smith, Tampa Premium Outlets, Timothy Beard, Tree Hoppers, Wesley Chapel, William Lennox Jr., Wiregrass Ranch High School, Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills High School

Kris Keppel honored at Flapjack run

December 23, 2015 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The annual Flapjack 5k and 1-mile Fun Run on Dec. 13 honored the memory of Kris Keppel, a popular cross-country coach who died earlier this year after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Keppel, who previously directed the race, was described by those who knew him as being a role model who helped to shape the Land O’ Lakes community, not only by running and encouraging people to stay active, but also by staying in touch with God and always helping others. Keppel was known to be a hardworking and caring coach that wanted the best for his runners and his family.

Hundreds of runners turned out to honor the memory of Kris Keppel, the Land O’ Lakes cross-country coach who passed away earlier this year. (Taylor Zack/Photo)
Hundreds of runners turned out to honor the memory of Kris Keppel, the Land O’ Lakes cross-country coach who passed away earlier this year.
(Taylor Zack/Photo)

“He taught spirit and values, and really cared about people; he was very strong with the Lord,” said Silky Sullivan, a long-time friend of Keppel. “He had an outstanding personality and just loved people. It’s hard to lose a person like him. People like him don’t come around that often.”

Keppel first picked up the hobby of running when he moved down from the North to Florida and became a student of the sport. For the last 22 years, he developed running into something that can keep a community close through a common theme of fitness and family.

“He originally started running as a hobby,” said Meredith Keppel, the late cross-country coach’s daughter. “It was a personal thing that then turned into a professional thing as he became more and more involved with the sport. He believed that every individual could make this sport their own and become a better person with the amount of effort they put into it.”

Hundreds of people came out to the race.

“It’s pretty awesome to see a community come out and support not only my dad, but a love for running, family and togetherness,” Meredith said. “My mom and my sister feel honored that the Land O’ Lakes community is supporting us. My dad would feel very proud and privileged that he has people that continue to come out. I recognize faces of people from 10 to 15 years ago that still come out every year. That continued loyalty, not only to the race, but the Land O’ Lakes community, is pretty awesome.”

Kris used the race to promote fitness to those who were very young and to develop runners who would go on to run track or cross-country. It was just as important to him that it be a family-friendly event that would keep the community up on their feet and active.

“My dad wanted daughters to be able to run with their fathers, and sons to be able to run with their mothers,” Meredith said. “He created a love of life, and it’s cool that it has become a tradition.”

This year, Heidi Pickering, Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce board member, was in charge and reinstated a lot of the same features into this year’s race as Kris had in the past.

“I’m a runner, so I wanted to give a runner’s aspect of how the race is supposed to go, and hopefully mimic a lot of what coach Keppel did and keep his dream alive,” Pickering said. “Essentially, what Kris did for the community was to get the kids active and involved so they start to become part of the community so we can grow together.”

By Taylor Zack

Published December 23, 2015

 

 

 

Filed Under: Land O' Lakes Sports, Local Sports Tagged With: Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Heidi Pickering, Kris Keppel, Land O' Lakes, Meredith Keppel

Land O’ Lakes student captures top art prize

May 20, 2015 By B.C. Manion

For the second consecutive year, a Land O’ Lakes High School student has won top honors in U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ Congressional Art Competition.

By winning the competition, Izzie Brown will receive two free airline tickets to Washington D.C., to attend a reception, and her work will be on display at the Capitol building for a year.

Izzie Brown, a sophomore at Land O’ Lakes High School, won Best of Show with this entry in U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ Congressional Art Competition. (Courtesy of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis)
Izzie Brown, a sophomore at Land O’ Lakes High School, won Best of Show with this entry in U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ Congressional Art Competition.
(Courtesy of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis)

Last year, Trevor Nichols won the honor for a pencil drawing of Coach Kris Keppel, who was suffering from pancreatic cancer at the time. Keppel died on Jan. 25, and the portrait that Nichols did was on prominent display at the coach’s funeral at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Land O’ Lakes.

The Congressional Art Competition included artworks by students in Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando counties.

Brown won Best of Show for a work entitled “Moods of Izzie.”

Bilirakis commented on the annual contest, in a news release.

“I believe the arts are an important component of a well-rounded education, as they stimulate creativity and innovation while allowing students the opportunity to express themselves in a meaningful way,” he said.

“I am glad to be able to bring this special opportunity to the students in my district,” Bilirakis added.

Besides her artistic pursuits at Land O’ Lakes High, Brown also has her own business called Word Tangles.

That business grew out of an assignment from her eighth-grade art teacher at Rushe Middle School. The teacher asked her to create a portrait of the Jamaican singer Bob Marley, which Brown did — using the titles of Marley’s songs to form his image.

Since then, Brown has created portraits of numerous famous personalities using words or, in the case of Albert Einstein, numbers, to shape the image.

Brown said she hasn’t had much time to devote to her business lately because she’s been quite busy doing the work she needs to complete for her Advanced Placement Art class.

She credits her teacher, Cynthia Smith, for helping her manage her time to meet the Advanced Placement workload requirements.

Brown is looking forward to her trip to Washington D.C.

“My mom will be with me in D.C., for the ceremony,” said the high school sophomore, who plans to spend some additional time in the area for vacation.

After leaving Washington D.C., she’ll travel to the national Future Business Leaders of America competition.

While she still has two years left of high school, Brown is already thinking ahead to college.

At the moment, she’s interested in studying abroad at the University of Oslo.

She thinks that would be her ideal school. However, she knows that the competition will be stiff.

“They only accept 60 international students,” she said.

Published May 20, 2015

Filed Under: Education, Land O' Lakes News, Local News Tagged With: Congressional Art Competition, Cynthia Smith, Future Business Leaders of America, Gus Bilirakis, Izzie Brown, Kris Keppel, Land O' Lakes, Land O' Lakes High School, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, Rushe Middle School, Trevor Nichols, University of Oslo

Coach Kris Keppel exhibits grace to the end

February 5, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The impact that Joel “Kris” Kristan Keppel’s life had on those who knew him was exhibited in all sorts of ways last week in Land O’ Lakes.

Keppel, a revered cross-country coach at Land O’ Lakes High, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Jan. 25.

Coach Kris Keppel was known for motivating athletes to push for excellence, while also being a mentor to help them with other issues in life. (File Photo)
Coach Kris Keppel was known for motivating athletes to push for excellence, while also being a mentor to help them with other issues in life.
(File Photo)

Land O’Lakes High Principal Ric Mellin notified the school’s staff and students with this recorded message:

“It is with a heavy heart that I am calling this evening to inform everyone of the passing of Kris Keppel. I was informed that he passed at 4:32 p.m., this afternoon, while in hospice care.  Kris Keppel spent more than two decades as the coach of the Land O’ Lakes High cross-country team, as the school’s media specialist, and as a teacher.

“Mr. Keppel was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer over a year ago. Despite the exhausting treatments, he continued to be a member of our staff and attend as many cross-country practices and meets as he could up until his retirement this past fall. He is survived by daughters Meredith and Morgan, and wife Dar.”

Keppel’s coaching skills were widely known. He coached the boys’ cross-country team to Sunshine Athletic Conference championships in 1986, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014; and District and Regional championships in 2013.

He also was nominated and became a finalist in the Brooks Running Most Inspirational Coaches of the Year competition.

But Keppel’s influence went far beyond helping athletes reach their potential, students, who were coached by Keppel, said in videotapes recorded by the school district after Keppel’s death.

He was more than a coach, they said.

“He was a friend and a mentor,” said Maddie Toth, who ran for him. “You could go to him for anything — from boy trouble to grades.”

After a moment of silence to honor Keppel, which can now be viewed on a YouTube video, Assistant Principal Jeff Morganstein described a man who was “sort of a fixture in our building for over 20 years.”

Keppel was involved and he made a difference, Morganstein said. “These students really are his legacy.”

Members of the Land O’ Lakes cross-country team honored the coach by covering the school marquee with purple construction paper — symbolizing the continuing fight against pancreatic cancer.

They wrote messages on yellow ’Gators, representing the school’s mascot, and posted them on the marquee.

One simple message seemed to convey the collective mood: “I’m going to miss you,” it says.

Hundreds turned out to pay their respects to the coach at his funeral Jan. 31 at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, in Land O’ Lakes.

The Rev. Ron Aubin presided over the Mass, joined by other priests on the altar.

Aubin spoke of Keppel as a dedicated servant of the church, and as a man he’s known for 21 years.

At the conclusion of the funeral Mass, the Rev. Lynn Nichols — a friend and neighbor of the Keppel family­— delivered a eulogy.

He began at the beginning, describing the man who was born on June 6, 1961 in Indianapolis, Indiana as the youngest son of the Rev. John and Mildred Keppel.

He noted that Keppel was very close to his mother, who was a high school medial specialist — a career path that Keppel would also follow.

He told those gathered that Keppel met his wife, Darlene, on a blind date on Feb. 29, 1984 —forever changing his life.

They went on to have two daughters, Meredith and Morgan.

“Dar said he was a hands-on dad. He’d get up with them (the girls) in the morning and feed them, get them dressed and take them to school. They rode with him to school their entire lives,” Nichols said.

“He believed talk is cheap,” Nichols added.

When the Keppels were married, Darlene was Catholic and he was not. But he told the priest they would raise their children as Catholics and they did, and he later converted to the faith.

“His coaching was how he changed the world,” said Nichols, whose sons ran for Keppel.

“It was his ministry. He built a great team and a legacy at Land O’ Lakes. He used the discipline of cross-country — its training and perseverance and focus — to give direction and aid to kids.

“He went beyond coaching. He provided transportation, bought shoes, provided tutoring, counseled kids through difficult family times, helped them get into college, gave dating advice and shared his faith with them.

“He was also committed to his community,” Nichols added.

He was involved in Rotary and was the Interact sponsor at Land O’ Lakes High for more than a decade. He also took part in events helping Metropolitan Ministries, the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots and the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.

He was an active member of the LifeTeen Band for Our Lady of the Rosary Church for 15 years.

When Keppel asked Nichols to do his eulogy, he wrote a few words that he asked Nichols to share.

“When you find that cancer is a part of your life,” Keppel wrote, “you have the benefit of saying goodbye to friends and family members.

“You get to share special moments …”

“Kris knew he wouldn’t be here for many of Meredith and Morgan’s big days,” Nichols said. So, earlier in the year, he recorded two songs to be played at their weddings.

“One was the song he sung to Darlene at their wedding,” Nichols said.

Published February 4, 2015

 

Filed Under: People Profiles, Top Story Tagged With: American Cancer Society, Jeff Morganstein, Joel Keppel, Kris Keppel, Land O' Lakes, Land O' Lakes High School, Lynn Nichols, Maddie Toth, Metropolitan Ministries, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, Relay for Life, Ric Mellin, Ron Aubin, Sunshine Athletic Conference, Toys for Tots

Forever the Keppel Way at Land O’ Lakes High

October 23, 2014 By Michael Hinman

The crowd was there to watch the football teams from Land O’ Lakes and Sunlake high schools take the field. But for several minutes before kickoff, they were all chanting something much different: “We love Keppel!”

Kris Keppel, who spent more than two decades as the coach of the Land O’ Lakes cross-country team, and even longer as a teacher, was given that ovation during last Friday’s game. Keppel, never one who likes to draw attention to himself, knew something was up when he was invited to the game. But he still showed up, because he knew his courage facing pancreatic cancer would continue to inspire the students and athletes at the school.

Kris Keppel along with daughters Meredith and Morgan, and wife Dar, proudly show the new sign students and visitors will see leading the way to the athletic fields of Land O’ Lakes High School. Principal Ric Mellin says this will remind everyone to take the ‘Keppel way.’ (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)
Kris Keppel along with daughters Meredith and Morgan, and wife Dar, proudly show the new sign students and visitors will see leading the way to the athletic fields of Land O’ Lakes High School. Principal Ric Mellin says this will remind everyone to take the ‘Keppel way.’ (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

“It’s pretty easy to inspire,” Keppel told the crowd. “Inspiration is a two-way street. You all can inspire each other on a daily basis.”

School officials and his team wanted to honor Keppel for being a finalist in the Brooks Inspiring Coach of the Year contest. Although Keppel received the most votes in the nationwide competition, he was able to applaud as Renee Williams-Smith of Manhattan Beach, California, received this year’s award during a ceremony last summer in Seattle.

The initial idea was to give Keppel a large trophy, girls’ cross-country coach and close friend Karen DeHaas said. But then an idea surfaced that would allow Keppel’s work to be honored year after year, naming a new school inspirational award after him and a fellow teacher, the late Marilyn Ling, who also battled cancer.

“We have always had inspirational people that helped our students and helped our faculty,” school assistant principal Rich Batchelor said. “We would like to start a new award, the Ling Inspiring Individual Award. But we decided to rename it for the first recipient of the award. So it will now be known as the Ling Keppel Inspiring Individual Award.”

But the school wasn’t done. A small crowd walked to a spot just outside the Land O’ Lakes football stadium so a new street sign could be unveiled — renaming that stretch of Gator Lane to Keppel Way.

“What better way to have students in the future know how much he inspired us to do things the Keppel way than to actually rename the roadway that leads into the athletic facility here,” school principal Ric Mellin said. “From this point forward, every time our athletes come down the road from the parking lot into the stadiums in the back here, they are going to be doing it the Keppel Way.”

Keppel was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer more than a year ago. Despite his grueling treatment for the disease, Keppel continued to attend as many practices and meets as he could. That continued until this past school year when he was forced to retire to focus more on fighting the cancer. It meant stepping down from his longtime role as cross-country coach, too.

“He’s retired, yet he comes to all the practices, except when he has chemo on Mondays,” DeHaas said. “He’s not able to bike with the runners anymore, but having him out there has really motivated all of our runners, and they want to win for him.”

Those trips to practices and meets have become their own inspiration to Keppel.

“We’re a team, we are a partnership,” Keppel said. “They keep plugging away, and I keep plugging away.”

A recent change in his chemotherapy treatment has allowed Keppel to grow back his hair, his eyebrows, and even his trademark moustache. He has lost weight, but being able to recognize his reflection in the mirror has helped him continue to fight the cancer.

“I have good days and bad days, but today was a good day,” Keppel said, looking toward his wife Dar, standing nearby. “The last few days were good, but the beginning of the week wasn’t so hot. It is what it is, and you just take it one day at a time.”

And that couldn’t be any other way, because it is indeed the Keppel way.

Published October 22, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Filed Under: Land O' Lakes News, Local News Tagged With: Brooks Inspiring Coach of the Year, Gator Lane, Karen DeHaas, Keppel Way, Kris Keppel, Land O' Lakes, Land O' Lakes High School, Marilyn Ling, Renee Williams-Smith, Sunlake High School

In Print: There’s only one way, the Keppel Way

October 22, 2014 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Kris Keppel is the last person who feels he deserves all the accolades he’s received lately. While he had to retire as both a cross-country coach and a teacher for Land O’ Lakes High School earlier this year because of his battle with pancreatic cancer, Keppel still has to admit, what he’s done — and always has done — is inspire.

And that’s what he wants to keep on doing.

Kris Keppel — standing with his wife Dar and daughters Meredith and Morgan — thanks the fans and students during last week's Land O' Lakes-Sunlake football game for honoring him with a new award, and naming one of the school's streets after him. (Photo by Michael Hinman)
Kris Keppel — standing with his wife Dar and daughters Meredith and Morgan — thanks the fans and students during last week’s Land O’ Lakes-Sunlake football game for honoring him with a new award, and naming one of the school’s streets after him. (Photo by Michael Hinman)

“It’s pretty easy to inspire,” Keppel told fans at the recent Land O’ Lakes-Sunlake football game, according to reporter Michael Hinman. “Inspiration is a two-way street. You all can inspire each other on a daily basis.”

Keppel not only received the honor of having his name put on an award that will be given regularly by the high school to those that inspire others, but also to have a street named in his honor on campus.

“What better way to have students in the future know how much he inspired us to do things the Keppel way than to actually rename the roadway that leads into the athletic facility,” school principal Ric Mellin said. “From this point forward, every time our athletes come down the road from the parking lot into the stadiums in the back here, they are going to be doing it the Keppel Way.”

What did Coach Keppel and others think of all this? Find out in this week’s print edition of The Laker/Lutz News, available now. Or if you’re someone who can’t leave their computer quite yet, check out the story in our free online e-edition by clicking here.

It was a different kind of inspiration that led Bryan and Darci D’Onofrio to start their own theater company. And the name says it all.

Dreamhouse Theatre opens its first full production, “Little Shop of Horrors,” this weekend at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel.

“Something we’ve always wanted to do was to have our own theater,” Bryan D’Onofrio told reporter B.C. Manion. “That’s been a dream of ours.”

So they pulled together their resources and made it happen. Bryan is the artistic director, while Darci is the executive director.

“We absolutely love the arts,” Darci D’Onofrio said. “We want to bring them here. We know that’s a need.”

Learn more about Dreamhouse Theatre and the people behind it in this week’s print edition of The Laker/Lutz News, available everywhere now. Or if you’d prefer, read it right now in our free online e-edition. Just click here.

There is a lot of focus on veterans at Saint Leo University, and not necessarily because a lot of them are traveling to Pasco County to take on classes. In fact, there are many veterans who are finding a way to get that post-high school education they’re looking for from Saint Leo — but they are doing it through the convenience of distance technology.

One man — U.S. Marine Corps gunnery sergeant Tedd “Gunny” Weiser — is in charge of making sure veterans successfully make the transition from battlefield to classroom.

“When these veterans come off active duty, there’s a trust, a comfort level, in being able to speak to somebody who can not only talk the talk, but walk the walk,” Weiser told reporter Michael Murillo.

The support his department provides is more than just answering basic questions or even maintaining a campus presence. It also comes in the form of a free online course developed by Saint Leo to help veterans and their families transition from military to civilian life. And not just to go to school, but to make it in the world that isn’t always the most friendly to soldiers coming back from conflict.

To learn more about what Saint Leo is doing with veterans, check out this week’s print edition of The Laker/Lutz News. Or read our free online edition by clicking here.

And finally, photojournalist Fred Bellet has some great pictures to share from the recent Fall Festival at The Grove at Wesley Chapel. It was some great costumes and more at the annual event — put on by the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce — which can be found on the front of this week’s B-Section. See it online by clicking here.

All of these stories and more can be found in this week’s The Laker/Lutz News, available in newsstands throughout east and central Pasco County as well as northern Hillsborough County. Find out what has your community talking this week by getting your local news straight from the only source you need.

If The Laker/Lutz News is not coming to your door, call us to see where you can get your copy at (813) 909-2800, or read our free e-edition by clicking here.

Filed Under: Top Story, Updates Tagged With: B.C. Manion, Bryan D'Onofrio, Centers for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, Darci D'Onofrio, Dreamhouse Theatre, Fall Festival, Fred Bellet, Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, Hillsborough County, Keppel Way, Kris Keppel, Land O' Lakes High School, Little Shop of Horrors, Michael Hinman, Michael Murillo, Pasco County, Ric Mellin, Saint Leo University, Sunlake, Tedd Weiser, The Grove at Wesley Chapel, U.S. Marine Corps

Keppel ‘uncontested winner in our eyes,’ principal says

August 7, 2014 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The community came together to vote for Kris Keppel, but in the end getting the most votes was just not enough for the Land O’ Lakes High School cross-country coach as he just misses winning a national award.

Instead, Brooks Running Co. named Renee Williams-Smith of Manhattan Beach, California, as its Inspiring Coach of the Year.

Williams-Smith joined what was then a male-dominated cross-country team at Mira Costa High School 40 years ago, and helped launch the girls program there that she coaches today. She has maintained an inclusive coaching philosophy and a steadfast commitment to daring girls to strive for greatness, according to a release.

“Running is a sport of firsts,” said Brooks Running chief executive Jim Weber, in a release. “Whether it’s your first step out the door, signing up for your first race, crossing your first finish line, or bringing home your first medal, achieving new things is in the DNA of our sport. Renee’s track record of firsts in the running world and her passion to create opportunities for all young athletes to experience success in cross-country and track inspired each one of us at Brooks.”

Part of the contest included a chance for fans to vote for their favorite coach through a Facebook campaign that Keppel ultimately won with more than 13,000 votes. He traveled to Seattle for the ceremony, which honored all the nominated coaches for the work they put into their sports.

“Coach Keppel did not win the Brooks award,” Land O’ Lakes principal Ric Mellin reported on Twitter. “He did win the national popular vote and is the uncontested winner in our eyes.”

Williams-Smith and her Mira Costa Mustangs receive $10,000 in Brooks performance running gear, and $2,500 cash to use for team expenses. She also will become a member of the Brooks Inspire Daily program comprised of coaches, elite runners and other running influencers, as well as a trip to the 2015 Brooks PR Invitational, a national track meet that showcases the fastest high school running talent in the country.

Finalists like Keppel received $5,000 in Brooks performance running gear, and $500 cash for team expenses, as well as membership into the Brooks’ Inspire Daily program.

Brooks chose Williams-Smith from a group of 25 finalists after current and former athletes, parents, fellow coaches, faculty and community members cast more than 45,000 votes via social media for the coach they found most inspiring.

Filed Under: Updates Tagged With: Brooks Running Co., California, Jim Weber, Kris Keppel, Land O' Lakes High School, Manhattan Beach, Mira Costa High School, Renee Williams-Smith, Ric Mellin

Coach Keppel takes narrow lead in national contest

July 30, 2014 By Michael Hinman

There are just hours left in a national contest that could send a popular Land O’ Lakes cross-country coach to Seattle to become America’s most inspiring coach. But he needs all the votes he can muster to keep that lead.

Dar and Kris Keppel (file photo)
Dar and Kris Keppel (file photo)

Kris Keppel is competing for the Brooks Inspiring Coaches Award, offered by sports apparel and equipment manufacturer Brooks Sports Inc. Since last month, Keppel has received 10,744 votes on Facebook, and for the first time, has slipped past the previous leader through most of the contest, Stan Fryzczynski.

Yet, as of mid-day on Wednesday, a little more than 200 votes separated the two, and a lot can happen between now and when the contest ends on Thursday.

Voting for Keppel is taking place right here. Facebook users can vote once per day.

The Land O’ Lakes High School Gator cross-country team has already won $5,000 in running shoes, apparel and accessories from Brooks, as well as $500 in cash for team expenses. The winner of the national contest will win an additional $5,000 in Brooks apparel, plus $2,000 more in cash to the school’s athletic department.

Fryczynski is a New Jersey running coach who has spent more than 41 years on the job. Keppel, who last year was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, was nominated by girls cross-country coach Karen DeHaas. Keppel told The Laker in June that he plans on making the trip with his wife to Seattle next month to find out officially who ends up as the top vote-getter.

Incoming senior Noah Thomas told The Laker in June that he’ll be voting every day.

“He’s just one of the strongest men I’ve ever met,” the 17-year-old said before a summer practice. “All throughout this, he’s still been there for us, and he’s still pushing us hard, and we push back for him.”

1. Kris Keppel 10,744
2. Stan Fryczynski 10,522
3. Ruqayya Gibson 3,130
4. Keith Olsen 2,605
5. Renee Williams-Smith 2,123
6. Bret Neylon 1,704
7. Dave Halliday 1,601
8. John Neff 1,342
9. Jason Capelli 1,245
10. Anthony Belber 1,219
11. Tracy Hawkins 938
12. Brian Lombardo 854
13. Nick Scott 674
14. Nick Accardo 662
15. Desmond Dunham 651
16. Dominic Newman 502
17. Gilberto Ruiz 497
18. Matthew Tompkins 486
19. David Culp 477
20. Jeremy Bartley 454
21. Davis Eidahl 403
22. Kelly Richards 228
23. Dan Reeks 222
24. Brandon Back 124
25. Garlynn Boyd 79

– as of 7/30/14, 12:30 p.m. 

 

Filed Under: Updates Tagged With: Brooks Inspiring Coaches Award, Brooks Sports Inc., Facebook, Karen DeHaas, Kris Keppel, Land O' Lakes, Land O' Lakes High School, Noah Thomas, Seattle, Stan Dryzcynski

Still time left to vote for Keppel in national contest

July 17, 2014 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Time is running out to vote for Land O’ Lakes cross-country coach Kris Keppel for a national award, and he still has a little catch-up to do so that he can take over first place.

As of Thursday morning, Keppel had 4,679 votes through the Brooks Inspiring Coaches Award. The contest is administered by sports apparel and equipment manufacturer Brooks Sports Inc., and already has won the Gator cross-country team $5,000 in running shoes, apparel and accessories from Brooks, as well as $500 in cash for team expenses.

Voting for Keppel is taking place right here.

The winner of the national competition, which depends on daily voting, will win an additional $5,000 in Brooks apparel, plus $2,000 more in cash to the school’s athletic department. Facebook can vote once per day.

Currently in first place with 5,121 votes is Stan Fryczynski, a New Jersey running coach who has spent more than 41 years on the job. Keppel, who was nominated for the award by girls cross-country coach Karen DeHaas, currently has 4,679 votes.

The winner will be officially announced later this summer in Seattle.

1. Stan Fryczynski 5,121
2. Kris Keppel 4,679
3. Ruqayya Gibson 2,461
4. Keith Olsen 1,949
5. Renee Williams-Smith 1,515
6. Bret Neylon 1,208
7. Dave Halliday 1,148
8. Anthony Belber 1,129
9. John Neff 1,013
10. Tracy Hawkins 909
11. Jason Capelli 907
12. Desmond Dunham 588
13. Nick Accardo 539
14. Brian Lombardo 530
15. Nick Scott 507
16. Dominic Newman 438
17. Gilberto Ruiz 435
18. Jeremy Bartley 422
19. David Culp 408
20. Davis Eidahl 354
21. Matthew Tompkins 327
22. Kelly Richards 221
23. Dan Reeks 208
24. Brandon Back 117
25. Garlynn Boyd 76

– as of 7/17/14, 11:40 a.m. 

 

Filed Under: Updates Tagged With: Brooks Inspiring Coaches Award, Brooks Sports Inc., Karen DeHaas, Kris Keppel, Land O' Lakes, New Jersey, Seattle, Stan Frycynski

Keppel looking for more votes in national contest

July 3, 2014 By Michael Hinman

There is still time to vote for Land O’ Lakes High School cross-country coach Kris Keppel for a national inspiration award.

Keppel, as of early Thursday morning, was in second place nationwide in online voting for the Brooks Inspiring Coaches Award. The contest is administered by sports apparel and equipment manufacturer Brooks Sports Inc., and already has won the Gator cross-country team $5,000 in running shoes, apparel and accessories from Brooks, as well as $500 in cash for team expenses.

Land O' Lakes High School cross-country coach Kris Keppel leads his team in warmups during a recent summer practice. Keppel is among 25 people in the nation being honored as inspirational coaches. (Photo by Michael Hinman)
Land O’ Lakes High School cross-country coach Kris Keppel leads his team in warmups during a recent summer practice. Keppel is among 25 people in the nation being honored as inspirational coaches. (Photo by Michael Hinman)

The winner of the national competition, which depends on daily voting, will win an additional $5,000 in Brooks apparel, plus $2,000 more in cash to the school’s athletic department.

Currently in first place with just over 2,000 votes is Stan Fryczynski, a New Jersey running coach who has spent more than 41 years on the job.

Keppel was nominated by girls cross-country coach Karen DeHaas, who described the coach as a model for the runners.

“He has helped so many kids get into colleges , and wrote letters — you wouldn’t believe how many,” DeHaas said. “Anyone who came to him for help, he would help them, whether it was something to do with sports, or something to do with academics. He is just a wealth of information.”

Facebook users can vote for their favorite coach among the 25 national nominees once every 24 hours through the end of the month. The winner will be announced later this summer in Seattle.

To vote for Keppel, click here.

1. Stan Fryczynski 2,066
2. Kris Keppel 1,598
3. Ruqayya Gibson 1,168
4. Keith Olsen 1,013
5. Anthony Belber 834
6. Renee Williams-Smith 793
7. Bret Neylon 679 679
8. Dave Halliday 651
9. Tracy Hawkins 591
10. Jason Capelli 507
11. John Neff 472
12. Brian Lombardo 350
13. Nick Accardo 339
14. Desmond Dunham 336
15. Nick Scott 330
16. Dominic Newman 283
17. Gilberto Ruiz 263
18. David Culp 196
19. Matthew Tompkins 195
20. Kelly Richards 189
21. Jeremy Bartley 183
22. Dan Reeks 171
23. Davis Eidahl 143
24. Brandon Back 107
25. Garlynn Boyd 66

– as of 7/3/14, 1:20 a.m. 

Filed Under: Updates Tagged With: Brooks Inspiring Coaches Award, Brooks Sports Inc., Karen DeHaas, Kris Keppel, Land O' Lakes High School, New Jersey, Seattle, Stan Fryczynski

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The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present Virtual STEM Studio: Crystal Snowflakes on Jan. 26 at 4:30 p.m., for grades four to seven. Learn how to create your own crystals with just saltwater. Follow along with the video on the Regency Park Library’s Facebook page. No library card is needed. … [Read More...] about 01/26/2021 – Crystal snowflakes

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The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present “Into the Interstellar Unknown” on Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Natalia Guerreo will present the latest news from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Guerrero works at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research on the MIT-led NASA TESS Mission. The program is for teens and adults. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. … [Read More...] about 01/27/2021 – Into the Interstellar

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The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host “One Book, One Night” on Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m., for teens and adults. Participants can start online as the beginning excerpt of the book “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, is read in English, Spanish and French. For information and to register, visit the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. … [Read More...] about 01/29/2021 – One Book, One Night

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The Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, will host a live performance by the classical music group Nova Era on Jan. 31 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The ensemble performs in handcrafted 18th-century costumes and ornate, powdered wigs. Gates open at 2 p.m. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. This is an outdoor event. Guests should bring lawn chairs. No cooler or pets. Masks are required inside the buildings. Social distancing will be in place. Advance tickets are $25, or $30 at the door (if available). For information and tickets, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org. … [Read More...] about 01/31/2021 – Nova Era performs

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The fifth annual Pasco Blues Festival will take place on Feb. 6 from noon to 6 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The event will include performances by Memphis Lightning (12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.), Sean Chambers (2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.), and Damon Fowler (4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.). There also will be food trucks, shopping vendors, T-shirts and Blues swag. This is a family friendly, pet-friendly event. Signage will be in place to enforce proper social distancing and mask usage. Hand sanitizing stations will be available. Guests should wear a mask when in line for entry, food and beer. Vendors will be spaced at least 10 feet apart to prevent overcrowding. Chairs also will be provided for guests to set up, and should be brought back to the front when done, for another guest to use. There is a limit of chairs to the first few hundred people. Guests can bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Other than VIP spaces, no tents, coolers, food and drink will be … [Read More...] about 02/06/2021 – Blues festival

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