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Penn State University

Renowned educator discusses racial equity

February 2, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

When it comes to race relations in America, many meaningful advancements have been made over the last several decades — but there still is a long way to go in the name of equity.

At least that was the message put forth by Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, a nationally recognized authority on racial issues in America. She was the featured guest speaker of Pasco-Hernando State College’s 36th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative event.

Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum was guest speaker of Pasco-Hernando State College’s Jan. 21 virtual presentation discussing racial equity issues in America. Tatum is former president of Atlanta’s Spelman College and author of the best-selling book, ‘Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?’ (Courtesy of Beverly Tatum)

The Jan. 21 virtual event was organized by the college’s department of global and multicultural awareness.

A clinical psychologist and sought-after leader in higher education, Tatum is president emerita of Atlanta’s Spelman College and author of several books, including the best-selling, “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?”

The speaker also is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Carnegie Corporation of New York’s Academic Leadership Award in 2013 and the American Psychological Association’s Outstanding Lifetime Contributions to Psychology in 2014.

Tatum opened the conversation by emphasizing the racial progress the United States has made since her birth in the early 1950s.

She shared a story about her own family’s prior struggles.

She detailed how her Black father, Dr. Robert Daniel, was unable to attend Florida State University in 1954 and obtain a doctorate in art education because it was a segregated institution, for whites only.

Rather than simply allowing Tatum’s father to attend FSU, the state of Florida instead opted to pay for his transportation costs to another institution out of state — Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania.

Tatum observed: “Today that sounds ridiculous, right?  It sounds like, ‘Why would the state do that?’ and yet that was the reality then. The fact that today Florida State is quite a diverse institution, certainly no longer whites only, all of that lets us know there has been progress.”

Pushback against progress
Despite gains, compared to the 1950s and 1960s, Tatum said there has been nationwide resistance following these periods of social progress — particularly around the turn and throughout the 21st century.

It was evident even during the President Barack Obama years, Tatum said, when a provision of the Voting Rights Acts of 1965 was struck down by a 2013 Supreme Court ruling. That decision allowed nine states, mostly in the South, to change their election laws without federal oversight.

Some states, in recent years, also have reversed various affirmative action measures.

California voters approved Proposition 209 in 1996, which says the state cannot discriminate against or grant preferential treatment on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, specifically in the areas of public employment, public contracting and public education.

This decision, Tatum said, dramatically decreased the African-American student population and other minorities at California State universities.

Tatum also criticized decision-making policies surrounding incarceration, anti-drug efforts and the so-called War on Drugs, which she claimed has yielded a dramatic increase in the incarceration of people of color, particularly Black men and women.

The speaker suggested many of these drug policies “were racist by nature,” giving examples of disparate prison sentences for a non-violent Black individual in possession of crack cocaine, compared to a white individual caught with powder cocaine.

Pasco-Hernando State College’s department of global and multicultural awareness hosted a virtual presentation titled, ‘Where Do We Go From Here? A Conversation about Racial Equity with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum.’ The event was part of the college’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration programming. (File)

Tatum underscored the negative impacts this “racial bias in the justice system” has caused for many Black communities and families: “What happens to you if you come out of jail and you’ve served your time, and you can’t rent an apartment and it’s hard to get a job?”

Tatum also took aim at discriminatory housing and lending policies to Black families, which she said is still felt today even after the Fair Housing Act of 1968 officially made real estate redlining illegal.

Over the years, Black families — even those with high-quality credit ratings — oftentimes received loans with less desirable terms than white families with similar incomes, credit and purchase power, she said.

This all came to a head during the 2008 recession, Tatum said: “Many of those unfavorable loans were coming due and when the economy tanked, those loans tanked, and many people who had been given those loans found themselves in (a) position of having their houses underwater, so to speak.”

When asked what the civil rights leaders of the 1960s would think about the country today, Tatum responded: “Maybe need to revisit some of the questions they were asking and try to use that inspiration to push forward again.”

An optimistic outlook
As for where the country is headed, Tatum expressed optimism with the election and swearing in of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

She commended several of the new administration’s moves, such as reversing travel bans on Muslim countries; pausing deportations for certain undocumented immigrants; extending the federal moratorium on evictions; and extending the pause on federal student loan payments and collections, and keeping their interest rate at 0%.

“I am encouraged by some of the things that our new president already has done through his executive orders,” Tatum said.

But, much more needs to be done, from the speaker’s viewpoint.

The push for a living wage is “a really critical issue” to help uplift more Black families out of poverty, Tatum said.

The problem has persisted even since Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, when he was fighting for economic justice as part of the city’s sanitation workers’ strike.

Tatum put it like this: “If you are working very hard at the minimum wage in your locale, you are going to be poor, because you cannot sustain yourself and your family on such low wages.

“I am of the opinion that if a job is worth doing, it needs to be paid at a wage that allows you to sustain yourself with dignity,” she said.

Not resolving that issue, she said, “is a strategic error, not just because it’s bad for the people who are trying to make a living — but it’s also bad for all of us to have a significant portion of our population unable to sustain itself.”

She also pointed out that the coronavirus pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on communities of color, putting them at greater risk, because of poverty, concentrated living situations and limited access to high-quality health care.

Many people in these communities also are part of the so-called essential workforce, driving buses, working in grocery stores “and doing things that put you in harm’s way, without sufficient protection, during a dangerous pandemic,” she said.

The distinguished educator also called for increased opportunities for robust and affordable education opportunities.

She acknowledged there are available federal government programs, such as Pell Grants, to help close the gap for disadvantaged students. But, she said: “Tuitions have risen at institutions all across the country because the state funding has been insufficient to cover the costs.”

The burden of the additional costs is passed onto individuals and families, and the dilemma comes back to how much people are paid.

The median income of an African-American family is around $40,000 annually.

“You cannot afford a college education if your family income is $40,000 per year. It’s just not possible, so how do we meet the need of young people who want to be able to pursue a college education? Lots of communities are asking this question.

“We as a nation have to decide if we want to invest in the next generation. I don’t think we have made that decision in a way that is clearly visible. We really need a national initiative that says, ‘We want to invest in the next generation,’ regardless of race, understanding that if we want to be successful as a nation, we have to have access to affordable education, at a level that this post-industrial economy requires.”

Pasco-Hernando State College President Timothy Beard offered some observations regarding the current state of America’s racial issues during a recent virtual event focusing on racial equity.
“First, I want to acknowledge that we’ve come a long ways, yet we have a long ways to go,” said Beard, the second African-American to serve as president of the college.

“Race is a topic that most individuals still try to steer away from, but I think it’s a discussion that we must continue to have as a nation.

“I do believe in Dr. King’s words when he said we are a nation of ideals and we’re still progressing as an institution to become that more perfect union.

“In order for that to happen we have to be able to deal with those topics that might not be convenient, and the only way to get better is to continue to confront those things that you can change. If you don’t confront it, perhaps you can’t change.

“It is just an awesome opportunity for us to make progress as we deal with this topic of race inequality. As we look to the future, we do want to acknowledge we have what it takes for us to be successful, as chaotic as it has been the last eight, nine, 10, 11 months or so, we’re still looking for opportunities for us to be successful, and because you don’t assume, you participate, you’re being engaged in a conversation, I want to say that it’s a sign of progress.”

Published February 03, 2021

Filed Under: Education, Local News Tagged With: Barack Obama, Beverly Daniel Tatum, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Fair Housing Act, Florida State University, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Pasco-Hernando State College, Penn State University, Robert Daniel, Spelman College

Locals make impact in college football ranks

December 5, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

The college football regular season has come to a close, and dozens of players with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area showcased their skills on Saturdays in the fall.

More than 100 players from the area are a part of various programs at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Series (FCS) levels, as well as Division II, Division III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Here’s a closer look at a few of the top performers from the 2018 season:

Amani Oruwariye

Amani Oruwariye—Penn State University, redshirt senior cornerback
High School/Hometown: Gaither High School/Tampa

The former Gaither standout earned first-team All-Big 10 honors, finishing the season with three interceptions, 12 pass breakups and 48 tackles — part of a secondary that allowed 186.5 yards through the air per game, a number that ranked No. 2 in the Big Ten Conference.

Some outlets, including Pro Football Focus and CBS Sports, project the 6-foot-1, 203-pound Oruwariye as a possible first-round talent in the 2019 NFL Draft, for his ideal size, ball skills and man-to-man coverage responsibilities.

Oruwariye is one of several Gaither alums playing at the Division I football ranks. Others include DeCalon Brooks (Florida State, redshirt freshman linebacker), Estefano Feliciano (Old Dominion, redshirt freshman linebacker), Donovan Jennings (South Florida, freshman offensive lineman), Cayden Jordan (Charleston Southern, freshman wide receiver), Shane McGough (Florida International, redshirt sophomore center) and Matthew Wood (Holy Cross, freshman linebacker).

Jaylen Pickett

Jaylen Pickett—Eastern Michigan University, senior linebacker
High School/Hometown: Zephyrhills High School/Zephyrhills

After playing in just six contests last season, the Zephyrhills High product bounced back for a productive senior campaign — registering 72 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and two sacks; and, helping Eastern Michigan (7-5) become bowl eligible for the second time in three years. Should Eastern Michigan earn a bowl bid, the 6-foot-1, 224-pound Pickett will suit up one final time as a Division I FBS football player.

Pickett also happens to be college teammates with another athlete with local ties — sophomore running back Willie Parker, who attended Carrollwood Day School.

The Pickett name is a familiar one in Zephyrhills — Jaylen’s father, Damian Pickett, and his  uncle, Ryan Pickett (13-year NFL veteran) are both former Bulldogs greats from the 1990s.

Scott Patchan

Scott Patchan—University of Miami, redshirt junior defensive end
High School/Hometown: IMG Academy/Freedom High School/New Tampa

Coming out of Freedom High (and transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton for his senior year), Patchan was one of the state’s most highly rated prospects in the 2015 recruiting class.

He’s finally starting to live up to the hype of being a four-star recruit who was once courted by blue blood programs like Florida State, Ohio State, Notre Dame and others.

After playing tight end for Miami last season, he moved back to his more natural position of defensive end, posting 23 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one forced fumble in 11 games. He played in just five games the last two seasons combined.

Provided he stays healthy, look for the 6-foot-6, 255-pound Patchan to be one of Miami’s top defensive players next season.

Patchan is something of a Miami legacy, as his father Matt Patchan III won national titles with the Canes in 1983 and 1987.

DeCalon Brooks

DeCalon Brooks—Florida State University, redshirt freshman linebacker
High School/Hometown: Gaither High School/Tampa

The son of NFL Hall of Famer/Tampa Bay Buccaneers/Florida State legend Derrick Brooks appears set on paving his own legacy at the same institution his father once starred.

After logging repetitions on the Seminoles’ scout team last season—and dealing with a nagging knee injury throughout — the younger Brooks emerged to become one of the Seminoles’ more productive defensive players in 2018 — registering 46 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack and forced fumble in 11 contests.

Moving forward, the undersized, yet speedy 5-foot-11, 211-pound backer looks to be a building block for a Seminoles program, which just suffered its first losing season (5-7) since 1976, under first-year head coach Willie Taggart.

Brooks is one of several young Seminoles with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, joining freshman defensive back Isaiah Bolden (Wesley Chapel High School), sophomore tight end Tre’ McKitty (Wesley Chapel native/Wesley Chapel High/IMG Academy) and freshman offensive lineman Chaz Neal (Wesley Chapel High).

Chris Faddoul

Chris Faddoul—Florida A&M University, sophomore punter
High School/Hometown: Wiregrass Ranch High School/Wesley Chapel

The former Wiregrass Ranch multi-sport star emerged as one of the nation’s premier specialists this season, earning first team All-MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) honors and leading the Division I FCS ranks in punting average (47.0 yards per punt) — up from 39.4 yards per punt he posted as a true freshman in 2017.

As a further show of Faddoul’s leg strength, 14 of 41 punts were 50 or more yards, including a long of 67 yards. He also tallied seven touchbacks, nine fair catches, and 17 punts inside the 20-yard line.

While at Wiregrass Ranch, it seemed as though no sport was off limits for Faddoul. He played football, soccer, tennis, and also competed in track & field.

Also noteworthy, Florida A&M has another Wesley Chapel native on its roster — sophomore safety Ellrie Allen, who prepped at Wesley Chapel High School.

Other news and notes on locals in college football:

—Former Zephyrhills High record-setting running back Antwione Sims made solid contributions in his freshman season at Samford University, tallying 150 rushing yards on 35 carries; also added 10 receptions for 80 yards and one touchdown.

—Before he suffered a torn ACL in late October, Dade City native/Pasco High/Tampa Bay Tech alum Mike Penix Jr., saw some action throughout his freshman season at Indiana University, completing 21 of 34 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown in three appearances.

—Wesley Chapel native/ Wesley Chapel High/IMG Academy product Tre’ McKitty had a strong sophomore campaign at the tight end spot for Florida State University, catching 26 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games.

— Former Wiregrass Ranch High standouts Jordan Miner (Penn State) and Daniel Biglow (Florida Atlantic University) were forced to retire from football before their college freshman seasons due to similar cardiovascular conditions. (Physicals revealed the sport would put too much stress on their hearts.) Miner and Biglow, who are cousins, helped Wiregrass Ranch to two straight playoff appearances in 2016 and 2017.

—Wesley Chapel High product Isaiah Bolden had his freshman season at Florida State University cut short when he suffered season-ending shoulder injury in September. Since Bolden played in only one game this season, NCAA rules allowed him to redshirt this season and have four more years of eligibility.

— Dade City natives and half-brothers Nate Craig-Myers (Pasco High/Tampa Catholic) and Jayvaughn Myers (Pasco High) both left the Auburn University football team in September.

Craig-Myers, a junior receiver, and Myers, a redshirt sophomore defensive back, both have two years of eligibility remaining at the program they transfer to. (The NCAA’s new redshirt rules allow players to play in up to four games before losing the ability to redshirt and preserve a season of eligibility.)

Published December 5, 2018

Filed Under: Local Sports Tagged With: Amani Oruwariye, Antwione Sims, Auburn University, Chris Faddoul, Daniel Biglow, Decalon Brooks, Eastern Michigan University, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, Freedom High School, Gaither High School, IMG Academy, Indiana University, Isaiah Bolden, Jaylen Pickett, Jayvaughn Myers, Jordan Miner, Mike Penix Jr., Nate Craig-Myers, Penn State University, Samford University, Scott Patchen, Tre McKitty, University of Miami, Wiregrass Ranch High School, Zephyrhills High School

Locals shine during 2017-2018 college football season

January 17, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Another exciting and memorable college football season is in the books. In addition to the University of Alabama capturing its sixth national title under head coach Nick Saban and the University of Central Florida finishing with an unblemished 13-0 record, several locals had noteworthy individual campaigns in 2017.

Here’s a look back at some of the top performers from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, including both Pasco and Hillsborough counties, that shined in the Division I FBS and FCS ranks in 2017:

Auden Tate, wide receiver, Florida State University
High School: Wharton High School; graduated in 2015
Tate offered one of the few bright spots for a Florida State team that took a step back in 2017, finishing an uncharacteristic 7-6.

Auden Tate

A viable red-zone threat, the 6-foot-5, 225-pound junior tallied 40 receptions for 548 yards and a team-leading 10 touchdown receptions.

And, his last game was his best.

In the Seminole’s 42-12 win over Southern Mississippi in the Dec. 27 Independence Bowl, Tate tallied three touchdown passes as part of a five catch, 84-yard performance.

Tate has since announced he will forego his senior season to enter the 2018 NFL draft. Many outlets project the wide-out to be one of the top receivers selected, possibly between the first and fourth rounds.

A native of South Carolina, Tate moved to Tampa after his freshman year of high school. At Wharton, he developed into one of the nation’s most sought-after recruits, with his rare combination of size and athleticism.

Chase Litton, quarterback, Marshall University (Huntington, West Virginia)
High School: Wharton High School; graduated in 2014
Litton capped off his junior season —and third year as Marshall’s starter— in impressive fashion.

Chase LItton

He threw for 3,115 yards and 25 touchdowns, leading the Thundering Herd to an 8-5 record that was capped by a 31-28 win over Colorado State University in the Dec. 16 New Mexico Bowl.

The 6-foot-6, 232-pount Litton became just the second quarterback in school history to complete at least 60 percent of his passes in three consecutive seasons. The other was Byron Leftwich, who spent a decade in the NFL from 2003 to 2012.

Litton, who recently declared for the NFL Draft, cemented himself as one of the Marshall’s all-time great passers. He ranks fourth in program history in career touchdown passes (72); fourth in most pass completions (772); and fifth in career passing yards (8,832).

In four years at Wharton, Litton amassed more than 7,600 passing yards and 54 touchdowns. He was also a standout basketball player with more than 1,000 career points.

Alex McGough, quarterback, Florida International University
High School: Gaither High School; graduated in 2014
The four-year starter guided Florida International to an 8-5 record — tying the best mark in the program’s 16-year history. (FIU also went 8-5 in 2011).

McGough’s senior season was also his best season numbers-wise. Completing 65 percent of his passes, the 6-foot-3, 218-pound pocket passer tallied 2,798 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. A capable runner, he added 231 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

Alex McGough

McGough exits the FIU program with numerous passing records, including most career touchdown passes (65).

His accomplished career came to a bittersweet end in the Gasparilla Bowl on Dec. 21, when he fractured his left collarbone on the team’s first offensive drive. FIU ended up losing to Temple 28-3.

McGough was rather lightly recruited out of Gaither (FIU was his only Division I scholarship offer) despite being one of Tampa Bay’s most decorated passers — amassing more than 5,100 career passing yards and 52 touchdown passes in four varsity seasons. He also played baseball and soccer.

McGough’s younger brother, Shane, also plays for FIU and graduated from Gaither.

Shaheed Salmon, linebacker, Samford University (Homewood, Alabama)
High School: Land O’ Lakes High School; graduated in 2014
The 6-foot-2, 233-pound senior outside linebacker followed up last year’s All-Southern Conference campaign with an even better showing, posting a team-leading 109 total tackles, along with 15.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and an interception. He again received First Team All-Southern Conference honors and was named Third Team Stats FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) All-American.

Shaheed Salmon

Salmon had four games with 10 or more tackles, including a career-high 18 in the team’s NCAA Playoff game at Kennesaw State.

He also was named Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Month in November.

The defensive stalwart and sure tackler was also one of the key reasons Samford posted an 8-4 overall record (6-2 conference play) and reached the FCS Playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1992.

At Land O’ Lakes High, Salmon was a three-sport standout, competing in football, basketball and track. In his senior year, he led the Gators in tackles (117), tackles for loss (21.5) and sacks (8.5).

Amani Oruwariye, cornerback, Penn State University (State College, Pennsylvania)
High School: Gaither High School; graduated in 2014

Amani Oruwariye

Despite missing two games to injury, the 6-foot-1, 209-pound redshirt junior firmly established himself as one of the Big Ten Conference’s top cornerbacks — posting a team-high four interceptions, along with 12 passes defended and 28 total tackles — helping the Nittany Lions to an 11-2 record and Fiesta Bowl win.

The on-field performance proved good enough for second team All-Big Ten honors — Penn State’s first cornerback to do so since 2008.

Expected to return for his senior season, Oruwariye is regarded for his size, length and athleticism at the defensive back position.

Prior to college football, Oruwariye was a three-year letterman at Gaither High and earned team MVP honors his senior year. He also earned first-team all-district honors and was selected to play in the Hillsborough County All-Star Game.

Other Notables:

Janarion Grant, wide receiver, Rutgers University (Piscataway, New Jersey)
High School: Pasco High School; graduated in 2013
Battled injuries all season long, but still managed to finish with 600 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in seven games. Exits Rutgers as its all-time kickoff return yardage leader (2,857 yards) and tied for the NCAA record for combined kick return touchdowns (8).

Nate Craig-Myers, wide receiver, Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama)
High School(s): Pasco High School; Tampa Catholic High School; graduated in 2016
Dade City native displayed a solid sophomore campaign, tallying 16 receptions for 285 yards and three touchdowns. Will be expected to make a bigger impact in 2018.

Chris Faddoul, punter, Florida A&M University
High School: Wiregrass Ranch High School; graduated in 2017
Freshman averaged 39.4 yards per punt, including eight of 50 or more yards. Also, pinned 16 punts inside the 20-yard line.

Shane Bucenell, quarterback, Charleston Southern University (Charleston, South Carolina)
High School: Wiregrass Ranch High School; graduated in 2015
Sophomore passed for 737 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions. Also, rushed 164 yards. Last month announced plans to transfer to another school.

Published January 17, 2018

Filed Under: Local Sports Tagged With: Alex McGough, Amani Oruwariye, Auburn University, Auden Tate, Charleston Southern University, Chase Litton, Chris Faddoul, Florida A&M University, Florida International University, Florida State University, Gaither High School, Janarion Grant, Land O' Lakes High School, Marshall University, Nate Craig-Myers, Nick Saban, Pasco High School, Penn State University, Rutgers University, Samford University, Shaheed Salmon, Shane Bucenell, Tampa Catholic High School, University of Alabama, University of Central Florida, Wharton High School, Wiregrass Ranch High School

Local football players sign with colleges during early period

January 3, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Several of the area’s top football players took advantage of a new NCAA rule allowing prospective student-athletes to sign their National Letters of Intent (NLI) in December, rather than waiting until February to put pen to paper.

Approved in May, the college football early signing period created a 72-hour window for signings from Dec. 20 to Dec. 22.

The next opportunity to sign an NLI will be at any point between the first Wednesday in February (Feb. 7) and April 1—also known as the traditional signing period.

Here’s a look at a few of the top athletes in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area who participated in the first-ever early signing period for football:

Isaiah Bolden, cornerback, Wesley Chapel High School
College: Florida State University (Tallahassee)
The highest-rated football prospect in Pasco County waited until the third and final day of the early signing period to make his official announcement to Florida State.

But, it was hardly a surprise he was headed there.

Wesley Chapel’s Isaiah Bolden signed with Florida State University, despite being committed to the University of Oregon for several months. The four-star cornerback prospect is the highest rated recruit in Pasco County for the 2018 class. (File)

Bolden de-committed from the University of Oregon on Dec. 5—the same day head coach Willie Taggart left his post at the school to accept the Florida State job, replacing Jimbo Fisher.

Bolden had an in-home visit with Taggart on Dec. 10, then took an official visit to Florida State on Dec. 15 — before ultimately signing with the university a week later.

A consensus four-star prospect, the 6-foot-2, 175-pound Bolden is ranked among the top 30 or so cornerbacks for the 2018 recruiting class.

His senior season ended prematurely, however, after he was kicked off Wesley Chapel’s football team in early October, playing in just three games.

The prior year he helped lead Wesley Chapel to a 7-2 record and near playoff appearance, after transferring from Bartram Trail in Jacksonville.

Bolden’s dismissal didn’t deter major college programs from pursuing him, however.

Besides Florida State and Oregon, the rangy athlete boasted about 30 offers from other major FBS programs, including Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Oklahoma and Michigan, among others.

Local fans wanting to witness Bolden’s athletic prowess still can. He recently joined Wesley Chapel’s varsity basketball team, where he’s averaging about 11 points and eight rebounds per game as a forward.

Jordan Miner, cornerback, Wiregrass Ranch High School
College: Penn State University (State College, Pennsylvania)
Like Bolden, Miner opted to join one of college football’s blue chip programs at Penn State University — a school he verbally committed to back in July.

A four-star prospect ranked among the nation’s top 50 cornerbacks for the 2018 recruiting class, Miner also had offers from nearly 30 Division I programs, including the likes of Auburn, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

Wiregrass Ranch’s Jordan Miner signed with Penn State University, a school he committed to in July. Miner was perhaps the most versatile player in Pasco County this season, making an impact on offense, defense and special teams. He’ll likely play defensive back at the next level.

Miner’s productive four-year varsity career at Wiregrass Ranch culminated in the football program’s best record ever (9-3) and first playoff win.

The 2017 Sunshine Athletic Conference East defensive player of the year proved to be a Swiss Army knife, of sorts, for the Bulls this season.

Besides tallying 39 tackles and four interceptions, Miner was an integral part of the team’s offense and special teams—racking up nearly 1,200 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns.

Various scouting reports laud the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Miner for his speed and fluidity, as well as his ball skills. His size as a defensive back is another noted plus.

Meanwhile, Miner is the second member of his family to play college football.

His older brother, Jaye, was an All-State linebacker at Wiregrass Ranch from 2011 to 2014. He later played college football at Florida Atlantic University, a Division I FBS program in Boca Raton.

Until his college gridiron career gets rolling, Miner can be found on the hardwood as an integral member of Wiregrass Ranch’s varsity basketball team, which currently stands at 10-3.

Its Feb. 9 matchup against Wesley Chapel—and Bolden—will certainly be one to watch.

Michael Penix Jr., quarterback, Tampa Bay Tech (Dade City native, Pasco High transfer)
College: Indiana University (Bloomington, Indiana)
The Dade City native surprised many when he spurned major college programs in favor of Indiana University, a school that has struggled to win consistently in recent years.

The lanky 6-foot-3, left-handed signal-caller committed to the University of Tennessee in April, but de-committed in mid-December, after a coaching change.

Dade City native and Pasco High transfer Mike Penix Jr., is heading to Indiana University. A Pasco High transfer, the left-handed quarterback finished his career at Tampa Bay Tech, where he developed into one of the Bay Area’s most productive football players.

He also had scholarship offers from Florida State, Oregon, Arizona, South Florida and many others.

Though headed to the Midwest, Penix will be surrounded by Bay Area ties, as the Hoosiers’ 2018 roster is expected to include a dozen players from Tampa, Largo, Clearwater and Spring Hill.

Moreover, Indiana head football coach Tom Allen has several Tampa connections. He was defensive coordinator for the University of South Florida in 2015, and had coaching stints in the 1990s at Armwood High School and the now-defunct Temple Heights Christian School.

Hoosiers quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan also coached at USF in 2013.

Penix played his first two seasons at Pasco High School before transferring to Tampa Bay Tech, finishing his high school career with 6,986 total yards and 76 touchdowns.

He appeared destined for football and athletic success at early age.

His father and uncle both starred on Pasco High’s football team. Penix Sr., later played college football at Tennessee Tech University, where he met Penix’s mother—who was on the school’s track and field team.

Lavel Dumont, offensive tackle, Wharton High School
College: University of Toledo (Toledo, Ohio)
Dumont’s first season of organized football was in 2016.

Just two years later, he’s headed to the Division I FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) ranks.

After verbally committing to Toledo in June, the 6-foot-4, 270-pound offensive lineman didn’t change course, signing with the Ohio-based university on Dec. 20.

Wharton High offensive tackle Lavel Dumont (No. 75) signed with the University of Toledo during the early signing period. The three-star prospect is coveted for his size, athleticism, flexibility and potential to improve.

Dumont’ primary recruiter was Toledo running backs coach Marquel Blackwell—

a former standout quarterback at USF, who later coached at Freedom High School in Tampa.

A consensus three-star recruit, Dumont had close to 20 offers, mostly from mid-major schools like Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Central Michigan, Marshall, Tulane, Western Kentucky and others.

A basketball player by trade, Dumont began to take football seriously about two years ago, making significant strides in the weight room and with game fundamentals.

Dumont’s rare combination of size, flexibility, athleticism—and developmental potential — intrigued Division I programs early in the recruiting process.

He reportedly earned his first collegiate offer in June 2016 — from Florida A&M University—before ever playing in a varsity football game.

Meanwhile, Wharton teammate A.J. Hampton is also expected to sign with Toledo during the traditional February signing period; the 5-foot-11 cornerback verbally committed to the school in July.

Donovan Jennings, offensive tackle, Gaither High School
College: University of South Florida (Tampa)
Jennings, like Dumont, is a relative newcomer to organized football—first playing as a freshman in high school because he always exceeded the size limit for youth-league teams.

It’s not surprising why: Jennings stands at a towering 6-foot-5 and whopping 310 pounds.

Gaither High’s Donovan Jennings (No. 72) signed his national letter of intent to the University of South Florida. The jumbo 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive tackle paved the way for teammates to compile nearly 2,900 rushing yards this season.

After early struggles picking up the game, Jennings thrived as an upperclassman.

His blocking skills helped pave the way for Gaither running backs to rack up nearly 2,900 rushing yards this season, and more than 1,500 rushing yards the year before.

Uncommitted throughout the recruiting process, Jennings ultimately picked his hometown team for the next level.

A consensus three-star recruit, he also had offers from Marshall, Old Dominion, Toledo, Central Florida, Virginia and others.

Jennings now joins a long line of Gaither High products to play at the Division I FBS level. Some more recent Cowboys football alums include Decalon Brooks (Florida State University), Estafano Feliciano (Old Dominion University), Alex McGough (Florida International University), Shane McGough (Florida International University), Ernest Suttles (Memphis), Shug Oyegunle (Florida International University) and Amani Oruwariye (Penn State University).

Elsewhere, Jennings’ teammate Matthew Wood signed his national letter of intent to Holy Cross University, a Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) program in Worcester, Massachusetts. Wood tallied 261 tackles in three varsity seasons as a linebacker.

Published January 3, 2018

Filed Under: Local Sports Tagged With: Alex McGough, Amani Oruwariye, Armwood High School, Decalon Brooks, Donovan Jennings, Ernest Suttles, Estafano Feliciano, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Florida State University, Freedom High School, Gaither High School, Holy Cross University, Indiana University, Isaiah Bolden, Jimbo Fisher, Jordan Miner, Lavel Dumont, Marquel Blackwell, Matthew Wood, Michael Penix Jr., National Letters of Intent, Nick Sheridan, Old Dominion University, Pasco High School, Penn State University, Shane McGough, Shug Oyegunle, Sunshine Athletic Conference East, Tampa Bay Tech, Temple Heights Christian School, Tennessee Tech University, Tom Allen, University of Oregon, University of South Florida, University of Tennessee, University of Toledo, Wesley Chapel High School, Wharton High School, Willie Taggart, Wiregrass Ranch High School

Wiregrass Ranch High loses top rusher

August 16, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

One of Pasco County’s top running backs is taking his talents south — to Hillsborough County.

Senior 1,000-yard rusher Da Da McGee has transferred from Wiregrass Ranch High School to Hillsborough High School, just weeks before the start of the 2017 prep football season.

Senior running back Da Da McGee, pictured far left, has transferred from Wiregrass Ranch High to Hillsborough High. McGee was one of the top rushers in Pasco County last season, totaling 1,063 yards and 11 touchdowns on 180 carries. He is the latest high-profile transfer from Wiregrass Ranch, joining cornerback Shamaur McDowell and athlete Raymond Woodie III, who left the program in June. (Courtesy of Tom Ketchum, PascoCountyfb.com)

McGee was one of seven tailbacks in Pasco County to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark last season, rushing for 1,063 yards and 11 touchdowns on 180 carries.

And, he was one of just three tailbacks in east Pasco to accomplish the feat, joining Wesley Chapel’s Dexter Leverett (1,249 rush yards, 10 touchdowns) and Bishop McLaughlin’s Luis Valentin (1,072 rush yards, 11 touchdowns).

The 5-foot-9, 180-pound McGee also led Wiregrass Ranch in rushing his sophomore year (333 yards, three touchdowns), despite missing five games with a shoulder injury.

Losing McGee, a 2016 SAC (Sunshine Athletic Conference) East All-Conference First-Team Selection, marks a significant and the latest — blow to the Wiregrass Ranch football squad.

In June, the Bulls saw two other top players — cornerback Shamaur McDowell and athlete Raymond Woodie III— exit the program.

McDowell — a three-star prospect and University of Minnesota commit — transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, while Woodie III — a four-star prospect boasting over 20 scholarship offers — moved to Eugene, Oregon, with his family.

Yet, Wiregrass Ranch — coming off its best season in school history (7-3, District 7A-8 runner-up) — still remains a solid team, under third-year coach Mark Kantor.

The Bulls return senior cornerback Jordan Miner, a Penn State University commit and four-star prospect regarded as one of the premier players in the Tampa Bay area.

At Hillsborough, McGee will play for Earl Garcia, the winningest active coach in Hillsborough County with 236 victories. Garcia has produced more than 200 scholarship student-athletes. He’s also coached 15 players who went on to make NFL active rosters. (Courtesy of Hillsborough High School)

The Bulls also appear to have a promising starting quarterback in junior Grant Sessums.

With McGee’s departure, senior fullback Chase Oliver (443 yards, 7 touchdowns in 2016) figures to garner additional carries, as a between-the-tackles power runner.

McGee, meanwhile, joins a Hillsborough High program steeped in tradition since head coach Earl Garcia took over in 1993.

Garcia, the winningest active coach in Hillsborough County with 236 victories, has produced more than 200 scholarship student-athletes. He’s also coached 15 players who went on to make NFL active rosters.

Hillsborough High went 8-2 last season, but lost several key playmakers, including defensive end Zachary Carter (University of Florida signee) and running back Duran Bell Jr. (University of South Florida signee).

Besides Bell Jr., Hillsborough High graduated its other top two rushers in Drequan McCullough (494 rush yards, four touchdowns) and Russell Booth (192 rush yards, four touchdowns), giving McGee the inside track to become the team’s starting tailback.

–Stats compiled by MaxPreps.com–

2017 Kickoff Classic schedule
Schedules for the 2017 Statewide Kickoff Classic preseason football games have been released. All kickoff classics are scheduled for 7 p.m. Here’s a list of games involving Pasco County teams in the The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

Aug. 17
Land O’ Lakes High School at Wesley Chapel High School

Aug. 18
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School at Superior Collegiate High School
Cypress Creek Middle High at Fivay High School
Mitchell High School at Zephyrhills High School
Ridgewood High School at Pasco High School
Wiregrass Ranch High School at Clearwater Central Catholic High School
Gulf High School at Zephyrhills Christian Academy
Lakewood High School at Sunlake High School

Published August 16, 2017

Filed Under: Local Sports, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa Sports Tagged With: Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, Chase Oliver, Da Da McGee, Dexter Leverett, Drequan McCullough, Duran Bell Jr., Earl Garcia, Grant Sessums, Hillsborough High School, IMG Academy, Jordan Miner, Luis Valentin, Mark Kantor, Penn State University, Raymond Woodie III, Russell Booth, Shamaur McDowell, Sunshine Athletic Conference, University of Florida, University of South Florida, Wesley Chapel High School, Wiregrass Ranch High School, Zachary Carter

Local gridiron star makes college announcement

July 19, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

One of the area’s top football players plans to head north for his college career.

Jordan Miner, a rising senior defensive back at Wiregrass Ranch High School, has verbally committed to Penn State University, a Division I FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) program in State College, Pennsylvania.

Jordan Miner

He made the announcement on July 6, during a broadcast on Spectrum Sports Florida television network.

“I want to win states, so (making a decision) would be extra pressure off my back,” Miner said during the broadcast.

He added that academics was one of the biggest factors in his decision.

The four-star recruit — who claims nearly 30 scholarship offers — chose the Nittany Lions over University of Maryland, University of Oregon, University of Tennessee and University of Florida, among others.

In a later statement, Miner wrote, “…I would like to thank all of the coaches that took a chance on me in this recruiting process, but after all this time and prayer, I have decided it is best for me to attend college at Penn State.”

Miner (6-foot-1, 177 pounds) is widely regarded as one of the best players in Tampa Bay and throughout the state, based on various recruiting publications.

According to 247Sports, Miner is the nation’s No. 30 cornerback and the No. 49 prospect in Florida, ranked among the top 300 prospects for the 2018 recruiting class.

Other outlets, including Rivals.com, Scout.com and ESPN.com, have likewise rated Miner among the nation’s elite.

Jordan Miner was one of the key pieces that helped guide Wiregrass Ranch to a 7-3 mark and playoff appearance last season — its first winning campaign since 2010.
He finished the 2016 season with 38 tackles, hauled in three interceptions and forced a fumble last season. Also a standout on special teams, Miner averaged over 33 yards per kick return. (File)

“Miner flashes impressive ball skills by high-pointing the ball, but also does a nice job of transforming into an offensive weapon once tucking it away,” a Scout.com evaluation report reads. “He also impresses with his ability to adjust and track the ball through the air. Miner has to continue to strengthen up his frame, but is a tough kid who is willing to come downhill with physicality. He does a good job of reading and reacting, and then closes on the ball in a hurry. Miner is not a blazer, but does a nice job of accelerating away from opponents.”

Miner, meanwhile, was one of the key pieces that helped guide Wiregrass Ranch to a 7-3 mark and playoff appearance last season — its first winning campaign since 2010.

He finished the 2016 season with 38 tackles, hauled in three interceptions and forced a fumble last season. Also a standout on special teams, Miner averaged over 33 yards per kick return.

He isn’t the only blue-chip football prospect in Wesley Chapel, however.

Isaiah Bolden, a rising senior at Wesley Chapel High School, is another highly rated, four-star cornerback prospect.

Bolden (6-foot-2, 175 pounds) verbally committed to the University of Oregon in April.
According to 247Sports, Bolden is rated as the nation’s No. 20 cornerback and the No. 37 prospect in Florida, and ranked among the nation’s top 200 prospects for the entire 2018 recruiting class.

If Miner ultimately signs with Penn State, he will join one of the nation’s most recognizable college football programs — and one that’s on the rise under fourth-year head coach James Franklin. Last season, Penn State went 11-3 and made a Rose Bowl appearance after winning the Big Ten Conference championship. (Courtesy of Penn State Athletics)

All verbal commitments are nonbinding until prospects sign national letters of intent or financial aid papers. This year, prospects can sign as early as Dec. 20, due to the new early signing period. That 72-hour window runs from Dec. 20 to Dec. 22.

If Miner ultimately signs with Penn State, he will be joining one of the nation’s most recognizable college football programs — and one that’s on the rise under fourth-year head coach James Franklin.

Last season, Penn State went 11-3 and made a Rose Bowl appearance after winning the Big Ten Conference championship.

And, Miner likely won’t be the only athlete from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area on the Penn State football roster come 2018.

Gaither High School product Amani Oruwariye is entering his redshirt junior season with the Nittany Lions, as a defensive back.

Followers of the Pasco County prep football scene may recognize the Miner name.

Jordan’s older brother, Jaye Miner, was an All-State linebacker at Wiregrass Ranch High School from 2011 to 2014. He later played college football at Florida Atlantic University, a Division I FBS program in Boca Raton.

Published July 19, 2017

Filed Under: Local Sports, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa Sports Tagged With: Amani Oruwariye, Big Ten Conference, Florida Atlantic University, Gaither High School, Isaiah Bolden, Jaye Miner, Jordan Miner, Nittany Lions, Penn State University, Rose Bowl, Spectrum Sports Florida, University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of Oregon, University of Tennessee, Wesley Chapel High School, Wiregrass Ranch High School

Wiregrass Ranch football loses two playmakers

July 5, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It all starts with senior defensive back Jordan Miner.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But, the upcoming season won’t be easy.

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

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

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

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

—Stats were supplied by coaches on Maxpreps.com

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

Published July 5, 2017

Filed Under: Local Sports, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa Sports Tagged With: Adrian Thomas, Carrollwood Day School, Clearwater Central Catholic High School, Da Da McGee, Daniel Biglow, Devaun Roberts, Florida High School Athletic Association, Fort Lewis College, Gaither High School, Grant Sessums, Hudson High School, IMG Academy, Jordan Miner, Kwesi Littlejohn, Mark Kantor, Penn State University, Plant High School, Raymond Woodie III, Shamaur McDowell, Sheldon High School, Sunlake High School, Tampa Catholic High School, University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, University of North Carolina, University of Oregon, University of Tennessee, Warner University, Webber International University, Wesley Chapel High School, Wharton High School, Wiregrass Ranch High School, Zephyrhills High School

Sunlake cheerleaders heading to Hawaii

March 30, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A summer trip to Hawaii has become an annual tradition for the Sunlake High varsity cheer team.

From June 22 to June 29, Sunlake cheer coach Pennye Garcia and five of her cheerleaders will participate in the 15th annual Cheer Hawaii USA Summer Invitational at the University of Hawaii.

For three consecutive years, Sunlake High has sent cheerleaders to Cheer Hawaii. This picture is from the 2015 camp. From left: Nicole Calderin, Amanda Slozer, Sunlake coach Pennye Garcia, Penn State coach Curtis White, Mariah Berberich and Mallory Mock. (Courtesy of Pennye Garcia)
For three consecutive years, Sunlake High has sent cheerleaders to Cheer Hawaii. This picture is from the 2015 camp. From left: Nicole Calderin, Amanda Slozer, Sunlake coach Pennye Garcia, Penn State coach Curtis White, Mariah Berberich and Mallory Mock.
(Photos courtesy of Pennye Garcia)

Coach Garcia will be joined in Oahu by Sunlake cheerleaders Taylor Broderick, Lauren Gobea, Maddie Frazee, Hailey Parks and Mikiah Peeples.

About 100 cheerleaders from all 50 states are selected to participate in the prestigious camp each year.

Since 2006, Garcia has sent at least five of her cheerleaders — at every school she’s coached — to the weeklong college-prep cheer camp. She is one of just eight coaches that will be attending to provide additional instruction and guidance.

Each year, Cheer Hawaii focuses on developing four main competitive cheerleading areas: cheer motion and spirit, dance, stunting and leadership skills.

Typically, nominations for the camp are open to current high school sophomores and juniors that exhibit certain qualities such as basic cheer skills, leadership abilities, a positive attitude, and a desire to learn and improve.

Sunlake senior Amanda Slozer, who attended the camp last year, said the weeklong affair benefits cheerleaders who aspire to be team captains and role models for younger teammates.

“It’s a really good experience,” she said about the camp. “I had a good time.”

With a limited number of spots, Garcia opts to nominate cheerleaders that have shown her leadership-like qualities during their career at Sunlake.

“I choose the ones…that show me individual characteristics that I would be proud of to send to Hawaii to represent our skills,” said Garcia, the 2016 East Pasco Coach of the Year. “If they have any disciplinary issues, they probably won’t get selected, and they know why.”

Several Sunlake cheerleaders will be participating in the 15th annual Cheer Hawaii USA Summer Invitational at the University of Hawaii from June 22 to June 29. The camp is organized by Alan Akina each year. From left: Pennye Garcia, Amanda Slozer, Nicole Calderin, Akina, Mallory Mock and Mariah Berberich.
Several Sunlake cheerleaders will be participating in the 15th annual Cheer Hawaii USA Summer Invitational at the University of Hawaii from June 22 to June 29. The camp is organized by Alan Akina each year. From left: Pennye Garcia, Amanda Slozer, Nicole Calderin, Akina, Mallory Mock and Mariah Berberich.

With camp instructors such as Penn State’s Curtis White, both high school cheerleaders and their respective coaches learn about advanced-level techniques and cheers they can take back to their prep squads.

“Coach White brings his male cheerleaders and teaches everyone how to coed stunt,” Garcia said. “They all are college coaches that come in and teach high schools how to do sideline cheers and chants.”

Garcia added that Sunlake has altered its entire cheer format based on what they’ve learned at Cheer Hawaii, aligning their squad to perform cheers similar to some of the premier Division I cheer programs.

“It has been really beneficial for us in competition and for sidelines,” Garcia said.

The results at Sunlake speak for themselves. This past season, the Seahawks had the highest scoring average in Pasco County — 74.51— and finished third in the Class 1A Small Division FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) state finals. In 2014, Sunlake won the Class 1A Medium Division state title.

According to Garcia, the weeklong camp also benefits high school cheerleaders who have aspirations of cheering in college, by teaching them the steps needed to make that drastic leap.

“There’s a lot of Cheer Hawaii kids that go on to cheer in college, and they get a lot of pointers from them,” she said.

Additionally, high school cheerleaders and coaches alike learn several positive reinforcement techniques to use during the season. For example, after every practice, the Sunlake cheer team will do an activity called ‘Celebrations and Reminders,’ where teammates will ‘celebrate’ each other’s accomplishments— like a perfect stunt in practice — and provide ‘reminders’ of what they need to do for their next practice.

Garcia noted the activity is beneficial for empowering her team.

“It’s kind of like a ‘grab you, hug you’ type of thing,” she said, noting that teammates remember each other’s kind words to one another. “It’s just a positive way to say everything.”

For Sunlake, the camp kicks off the summer season, and serves as a kick-start in trying to remain as one of the top competitive cheer teams in Pasco.

Published March 30, 2016

Filed Under: Land O' Lakes Sports, Local Sports Tagged With: Amanda Slozer, Cheer Hawaii, Curtis White, Hailey Parks, Lauren Gobea, Maddie Frazee, Mikiah Peeples, Penn State University, Pennye Garcia, Sunlake High School, Taylor Broderick

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The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present a video on how to grow a tomato garden. Those interested can view the video at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary, all day, on March 8. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email . … [Read More...] about 03/08/2021 – Tomato garden

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The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present a video on how to make green grilled cheese on March 9 at 4:30 p.m., for grades four to seven. To view the video, visit the Library Cooperative on Facebook or Instagram. … [Read More...] about 03/09/2021 – Grilled cheese

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The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host a virtual poetry discussion group on “Female Power!” on March 9 at 6:30 p.m., for ages 16 and older, via Zoom. Participants can share a favorite poem or take part in discussions on poems about women or written by women poets. Themed poems will be sent out to help with the session. Registration is required. For information, contact Amaris Papadopoulos at 727-861-3020 or . … [Read More...] about 03/09/2021 – Poetry discussion

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The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a Technology Tuesday: Robots & Machines on March 9, through a curbside pickup activity. The kit will help kids learn more about technology, from robots to coding, through online and hands-on activities. The pickup is limited to 35 participants and must be reserved ahead of time. A book bundle can be included. Kits must be picked up between March 9 at 10 a.m., and March 13 at 5 p.m. For information, call 813-929-1214. … [Read More...] about 03/09/2021 – Technology Tuesday

03/10/2021 – Fandom trivia

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present Fandom Trivia: High School Musical on March 10 at 4 p.m., for grades eight to 12. Participants can test their knowledge of the High School Musical movies. Registration is required. For information, contact Amaris Papadopoulos at 727-861-3020 or . … [Read More...] about 03/10/2021 – Fandom trivia

03/10/2021 – Student-author book signing

Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive in New Port Richey, will host a socially distanced book signing with student-author and illustrator Chris Angilell on March 10 at 10 a.m. Angilella is a first-time author who has Asperger's Syndrome. He wrote the book, "Dotty's Freckles," to "inspire people who have a disability, hoping to send a message that they are exceptional and can accomplish anything," according to a news release. The book was independently published last August and can be purchased on Kindle or in paperback through Amazon. The book signing will be outdoors. Masks will be required. Angilella will sign books for attendees who bring their own copies. A limited number of paperbacks also will be for sale at the event. … [Read More...] about 03/10/2021 – Student-author book signing

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