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Steinbrenner High School

Sunlake boys cross-country finishes state runner up

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The year 2020 will live on in infamy for many.

For the Sunlake High School boys cross-country team, it will be viewed in a more positive lens — it will be remembered, as the year the Seahawks became the most decorated group of prep runners in Pasco County history.

The Sunlake High boys cross-country team finished in second place at the FHSAA’s 3A state championships last month. It marks the highest such finish in Pasco County preps history. (Courtesy of Florida High School Athletics Association)

The team has achieved many accomplishments and created lasting moments in becoming one of the area’s most dominant forces over the past couple seasons, under the guidance of head distance coach Randal Reeves. For one thing, it finished in fifth place at the 2019 state meet.

But, last month, the program accomplished something it has never done: A second-place overall finish at the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) 3A state championships.

The event was held Nov. 14 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, and Sunlake’s runner-up finish represents the all-time best mark ever achieved by any Pasco County prep cross-country program.

The 3A state title went to Miami’s Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, which tallied 30 points after its top five runners went first, second, seventh, eighth and 18th place, respectively. It represents that private school’s fourth state title and 12th all-time.

Meanwhile, Sunlake tallied 123 points, as its fleet went ninth, 12th, 42nd, 46th and 48th.

Third place went to Ponte Vedra High School (143), whose runners went 11th, 31st, 35th, 47th and 54th.

Put another way: Sunlake can lay claim as the best public school distance program in 3A.

Junior Colby Robbins, who paced the Seahawks, broke the 16-minute mark by clocking 15:58.2, which equates to a 5:08 per mile pace.

Following Robbins were sophomore Alejandro Pena (16:02.7); juniors Andres Alfonso (16:52.3) and Cason Meyer (16:55.6); and, senior Cade Whitfield (16:55.6).

The team’s sixth and seventh varsity runners — whose scores aren’t tallied in the results — were junior Max Goserud (17:10.7) and sophomore Nathan Lee (17:45.8)

The timed average for Sunlake boys was 16:33, equating to an average of 5:20 per mile. There was just a 58-second gap between its number one through number five runners.

The pinnacle state showing concludes a banner campaign for the Sunlake team, which also  swept its conference, district and regional championship meets along the way. This all happened after the team was quarantined for nearly two weeks between September and October — as a result of a positive COVID-19 test.

Making the feat even more impressive is the team’s small roster size compared to other top-flight 3A programs that often boast 50 to 100 athletes.

For instance, Sunlake’s 15-boy roster paled in comparison to Belen Jesuit’s 53-person crew.

In addition to Sunlake, several other local teams and individuals exhibited solid showings at the state finals, including the Sunlake girls team, which finished 10th in their meet.

Elsewhere on the team front, the Steinbrenner High boys program garnered a 10th-place finish at the 4A meet — a year after they claimed its first state crown.

Meanwhile, a pair of the six other individual qualifiers from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area garnered top-three finishes in their respective classifications.

Wharton High senior Jared Hamill earned a third-place finish in the 4A meet, turning in a 15:51.9 — the quickest time among all local runners from every classification, respectively.

Land O’ Lakes native Elli Black — a home-schooled seventh-grader who runs for Cambridge Christian School — finished state runner-up in the 1A girls meet, posting 18:28.5.

Other state qualifying individuals included Steinbrenner senior Jacquelyn Abansas (eighth place, 19:08.0, 4A girls); Wharton junior Brooke Reif (31st, 20:04.2, 4A girls); Land O’ Lakes junior Maranda Hildebrand (74th, 21:09.7, 3A girls); and, Gaither senior Lorenzo Martinez (89th, 17:39, 3A boys).

Roundup of local teams and individuals at the 2020 FHSAA cross country state championships:

Boys
4A
Steinbrenner (10th place)
Ethan Bhatt senior (52nd, 17:02.3)
Ryan Campbell, senior (55th, 17:06.6)
Zachary Harrigan, senior (61st, 17:13.4)
Sohan Khanvilkar, senior (66th, 17.19.8)
Jaden Simpson, junior (73rd, 17:23.9)
Bryce Krueger, senior (93rd, 17:55.4)
Ronald Aeschleman, junior (99th, 18:04.3)

Individual(s)
Wharton: Jared Hammill, senior (third, 15:51.9)

3A
Sunlake (Second)
Colby Robbins, junior (15:58.2)
Alejandro Pena, sophomore (16:02.7)
Andres Alfonso, junior (16:52.3)
Cason Meyer, junior (16:55.6)
Cade Whitfield, senior (16:55.6)
Max Goserud, junior (17:10.7)
Nathan Lee, sophomore (17:45.8)

Indvidual(s)
Gaither: Lorenzo Martinez, senior (89th, 17:39)

2A
No local teams or individual runners

1A
No local teams or individual runners

Girls
4A
Individual(s)
Steinbrenner: Jacquelyn Abanses, senior (eighth 19:08.0)
Wharton: Brooke Reif, junior (31st, 20:04.2)

3A
Sunlake (10th)
Shannon Gordy, senior (40th, 20:23.4)
Shelby Viseur, junior (47th, 20:29.5)
Sara Ellington, junior (50th, 20:37.2)
Ashley Spires, senior (55th, 20:42.7)
Caitlyn Culpepper, junior (82nd, 21:23.8)
Annie Winborn, sophomore (84th, 21:28.4)
Alanta Lofton, sophomore (94th, 21:59.5)

Individual(s)
Maranda Hildebrand, Land O’ Lakes junior (74th, 21:09.7)

2A
No local teams or individual runners

1A
Elli Black, Cambridge Christian (Land O’ Lakes resident), seventh grade (second, 18:28.5)

Published December 02, 2020

Locals stand out at state golf championships

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If one thing has been learned over time — simply qualifying for Florida’s high school state golf championship tournament is an accomplishment in itself.

The Carrollwood Day School varsity girls golf program achieved a milestone in qualifying for its first-ever state finals appearance as a team. (Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School athletics department)

It’s an opportunity this year reserved for a combined 45 boys teams and 45 girls teams across three classifications. Including individual qualifiers, fewer than 300 boys and golfers apiece — among the countless thousands of prep golfers — were able to showcase their skills and lay claim among the state’s elite.

Within those numbers were two teams and another four individuals from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The 2020 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state golf championships ran from Oct. 27 through Nov. 4, at Mission Inn Resort & Club, in Howey-in-the-Hills. Boys competed at the Lake County resort’s 6,764-yard El Campeon Course, while girls played the 5,455-yard Las Colinas Course.

Steinbrenner High sophomore Kavya Ajjarapu finished 12th overall at the Class 3A state golf championships. It concluded an impressive campaign for Ajjarapu, who also took home a 3A-9 district crown. (Courtesy of Kathleen Kane)

Perhaps the most noteworthy showing came from the Steinbrenner High varsity girls team— as it marked its ninth straight year the program has qualified for states as a team.

Coached by John Crumbley, the Warriors finished 10th out of 13 schools in the two-day Class 3A tournament.

They were paced by sophomore Kavya Ajjarapu, who carded an 8-over par across two rounds (70-78 — 158) to finish tied for 12th out of 78 golfers.

It marked the end to an impressive season for Ajjarapu, who also took home a 3A-9 district crown after shooting a 2-under 69 at TPC Tampa Bay back in early October.

Other Steinbrenner golfers were McKenzie Kane (+11), Posie Farrelly (+11), Zoe Spanos (+70) and Paige Maginness (+121).

Wiregrass Ranch High senior Norah Catlin wrapped up her fourth straight state golf finals appearance. She tied for 32nd overall in the Class 3A tournament. (Courtesy of Wiregrass Ranch High School athletics department)

The 3A match also experienced solid individual performances from Sunlake High freshman Alyssa Mixon and Wiregrass Ranch High senior Norah Catlin. Both tied for 32nd, shooting 14 strokes above par across the 36 holes.

For Catlin, it marked her fourth straight state title appearance, going down as the most decorated female golfer in her school’s history. She’s also a three-time Pasco County Sunshine Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

In 2A, Cypress Creek boasted a pair of individual qualifiers in sophomore Tiffany Colin and freshman Connor Newbold.

Colin went 14 over par to finish 16th among 95 girls golfers. She was key to her team during a  banner season — helping the Coyotes finish with a 5-0 regular season mark and runner-up in the Sunshine Athletic Conference tournament.

Newbold logged a 14 over par to finish 29th out of 97 boys golfers. He also was integral as the No. 1 golfer on the Coyotes boys team, which reached the 2A-2 region tournament at Dubsdread Golf Course in Orlando.

Meanwhile, in the 1A ranks, the Carrollwood Day School varsity girls team made its first state appearance in program history.

The Patriots — who placed 14th — were pushed by seventh-grader Sophia Dyer, who finished 31st overall after posting an 11 over par (77-78 — 155).

Dyer comes from a something of a legacy golf family. Her older brother, Blake, is a former standout on the University of Florida men’s golf team who also finished runner-up at the 2016 Florida State Amateur. Her father, Kevin, lettered for the Florida Gators from 1984-1988 and was on the 1985 SEC Championship team.

Other Carrollwood Day golfers included Elyse Meerdink (+16), Olivia Hasselbach (+76) Mikaela Arey (+97) and Paige Bhuniak (+149).

By comparison, last year’s state tournament saw one team and another six individual qualifiers from our coverage area.

Class 3A
Boys
No local schools or individuals

Girls
Individual qualifier(s)
Alyssa Mixon, Sunlake (tied 32nd) 78-80 — 158
Norah Catlin, Wiregrass Ranch (tied 32nd) 80-78 — 158

Steinbrenner (10th place) 338-334 — 672
Kavya Ajjarapu (tied 12th) 70-78 — 148
McKenzie Kane (tied 24th) 80-75 — 155
Posie Farrelly (tied 24th) 72-83 — 155
Zoe Spanos (tied 75th) 104-110 — 214
Paige Maginness, (77th) 117-148 — 265

Class 2A
Boys
Individual qualifier(s)
Connor Newbold, Cypress Creek (29th) 80-78 — 158

Girls
Individual qualifier (s)
Tiffany Colin, Cypress Creek (16th ) 80-78 — 158

Class 1A
Boys
No local schools or individuals

Girls
Carrollwood Day (14th place) 366-358 — 724
Sophia Dyer (31st) 77-78 — 155
Elyse Meerdink (tied 40th) 82-78 — 160
Olivia Hasselbach (56th) 89-79 — 168
Mikaela Arey (94th) 117-124 — 241
Paige Bhuniak (95th) 145-148 — 293

Published November 25, 2020

Cypress Creek High School was represented by a pair of state qualifiers in sophomore Taylor Colin, left, and freshman Connor Newbold. Colin finished 16th in the Class 2A girls tournament, while Newbold finished 29th in the 2A boys match. (Courtesy of Cypress Creek High School athletics department)

Hometown kids to watch in college football

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Before becoming college football standouts regularly seen on national television and in massive stadiums across the country, these athletes distinguished themselves on the gridiron locally, in Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

Big-time college football has returned this fall — later than usual and with a pared-down schedule amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

But that won’t stop several locals with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area from enjoying the big stage and making plays on Saturdays in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Southeastern Conference (SEC) and American Athletic Conference (AAC), among others.

Here’s a closer look at a handful of hometown players to keep an eye on throughout the 2020 college football season:

Isaiah Bolden, receiver
College: Florida State University, redshirt sophomore
Local tie: Wesley Chapel High School

Wesley Chapel High product Isaiah Bolden is a redshirt sophomore receiver/kick returner at Florida State. (Courtesy of Florida State University sports information department)

After spending his first two years working as a defensive back at FSU, the 6-foot-2, 196-pound Wesley Chapel High product has shifted to the offensive side of the ball — to wide receiver. Throughout preseason, FSU coaches have raved about Bolden’s size, athleticism, big play ability and passion for the game.

But, just how much playing time the redshirt sophomore garners at the position remains up in the air, as he tries cracking a deep, experienced position grouping.

At the very least, expect to see plenty of Bolden as a co-starter on kick return duties. Playing in all 13 games last season, he returned six kickoffs for 156 yards, including a career-long of 41 yards, and one punt return for seven yards.

Bolden was a three-sport star at Wesley Chapel, shining in football, basketball, and track and field. In addition to his pigskin talents, Bolden was the varsity basketball team’s leading rebounder (8.5 rebounds per game in 2017-2018) and collected a bronze medal in the 100-meter dash at 2018 Class 3A state championships.

The former Wildcat was a consensus four-star recruit and courted by some two dozen Division I FBS college football programs, including several other blue bloods.

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

Gaither High product Donovan Jennings is looking to build off a respectable 2019 campaign along the offensive line for USF. (File)

The massive 6-foot-5, 338-pound Gaither High alumnus is cemented as USF’s starting left tackle in a new up-tempo offense, and is looking to build off a strong 2019 showing where he saw action in 10 games and made eight starts.

In fact, Jennings last season was the team’s highest-graded offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus (66.9), a website that focuses on thorough analysis of the National Football League (NFL) and NCAA Division I football.

He’s been lauded by coaches for his pass protection skills and effectiveness in the run game, a combination of quick feet, balance and strength. He often was tasked with blocking opponent’s top pass-rushers in one-on-one situations last season.

Expectations remain high again in 2020. He’s been named to the Athlon Preseason All-Conference Fourth Team and Phil Steele Preseason All-Conference Fourth Team.

Jennings, surprisingly, didn’t begin playing football until his freshman year of high school, as size limitations in youth leagues prevented him from playing the sport. However, he blossomed in four short years at Gaither, earning All-State honors and scholarship offers from the University of Central Florida, and Virginia, Marshall, Old Dominion and Toledo universities, among others.

Odessa native Devontay Love-Taylor brings an experienced presence to Florida State’s offensive line. Love-Taylor prepped at Mitchell High School. (Courtesy of Florida State University sports information department)

Devontay Love-Taylor, right tackle
College: Florida State University, redshirt senior
Local tie: Odessa native

The Odessa native is set to make an immediate impact for Florida State — penciled in as the team’s starting right tackle following his transfer from Florida International, where he made 16 starts in 32 career games and last season earned honorable mention All-Conference USA recognition.

The sturdy 6-foot-4, 315-pound lineman is being leaned on for his experience, work ethic and maturity. The website Pro Football Focus graded Love-Taylor an above-average rating (74.2) on 721 snaps last season in an FIU uniform.

Love-Taylor prepped at Mitchell High School, where he earned first-team All-Conference honors and pushed the program to the 6A state playoffs. He also played basketball.

Tre’ McKitty, tight end
College: University of Georgia, graduate student
Local tie: Wesley Chapel native

Wesley Chapel native Tre’ McKitty is listed as the starting tight end at Georgia, an SEC program with legit national championships aspirations this year. (Courtesy of University of Georgia sports information)

The Wesley Chapel native looks to be entrenched as the starting tight end on a Georgia team with legitimate aspirations of hoisting a national title and ranked No. 4 in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound McKitty transferred to Georgia from FSU in January following a coaching change. He played in 35 career games in three seasons at FSU, hauling in a combined 50 receptions for 520 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

In camp with his new squad, Georgia coaches raved about McKitty for bringing a gritty demeanor and showing aptitude in blocking, along with making catches.

Prognosticators are likewise bullish on McKitty’s final season, as he was named to a preseason watch list for the John Mackey Award, awarded to the nation’s top tight end.

McKitty grew up playing in the Land O’ Lakes-based South Pasco Predators youth football league. He played his freshman year at Wesley Chapel High then prepped at Bradenton’s IMG Academy, where he was a blue-chip recruit

Steinbrenner High alum Noah Ruggles is in a kicker position battle at North Carolina. He was the team’s primary place-kicker last season. (File)

Noah Ruggles, kicker
College: University of North Carolina, junior
Local tie: Steinbrenner High School

Ruggles emerged as North Carolina’s primary kicker as a sophomore last season, converting 19 of 27 field goal attempts — including a long of 49 yards — and perfect on all 45 of his extra-point attempts.

The former Steinbrenner High standout was nearly automatic for the Tar Heels on kicks inside 40 yards, but struggled on some longer kicks, including going 0-for-3 on attempts of more than 50 yards.

His defining moment in 2019 came when he kicked the game-winning field goal in a 20-17 home win against conference rival Duke in a late October contest. It was just a week removed from UNC head coach Mack Brown benching Ruggles, after he missed two overtime field goal attempts in a road loss to Virginia Tech.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound kicker will need to prove himself once again. He’s listed second on the team’s depth chart behind All-American Furman transfer Grayson Atkins, but is still expected to earn ample opportunities.

Closer to home, Ruggles earned All-State honors at Steinbrenner and was named most valuable player of the East-West Hillsborough County Senior All-Star Game in 2016.

Zephyrhills High alum Ja’Quan Sheppard is poised for a bigger role this season for Cincinnati. (Courtesy of University of Cincinnati sports information department)

Ja’Quan Sheppard, safety
College: University of Cincinnati, sophomore
Local tie: Zephyrhills High School

The Zephyrhills High product is pressing for a larger role this season for a Cincinnati program favored to finish atop the American Athletic Conference (AAC).

As a true freshman in 2019 for the 11-3 Bearcats, the 6-foot-2, 197-pound safety played in nine games, mostly as a special teams ace, where he ranked among the team’s top special teams defenders with six stops on kickoff coverage. Sheppard collected two tackles in his Cincy debut at Marshall, and also tied that mark with two tackles at Houston.

In high school, Sheppard was mostly known for his skills as wide receiver at Zephyrhills, where he registered a combined 91 catches for 1,649 yards and 25 touchdowns across four varsity seasons. His impact helped guide the Bulldogs to arguably its best season in program history in 2018 — winning 11 straight games and reaching the Class 5A region semifinal. He was no stranger to accolades, earning All-State and All-Conference honors, and being invited to the Pasco County Senior All-Star Football Game. Sheppard was a consensus three-star recruit with more than 20 offers from Temple, Marshall and Kentucky, among others.

Published September 16, 2020

Local golf standout swings into senior year

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When Norah Catlin showed up for Wiregrass Ranch High School girls golf tryouts in 2017, it wasn’t long before coach Jeremy Calzone realized a special talent had entered the program.

The longtime Bulls coach originally wasn’t aware of the then-incoming freshman’s background winning countless junior tournaments; being named the Greater Tampa Junior Golf Association’s player of the year; qualifying for the Drive, Chip and Putt Championships at the Masters; and first picking up the sport at the age of 4.

Wiregrass Ranch High School rising senior Norah Catlin stands alongside head coach Jeremy Calzone at the 2019 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state championships.
As a junior last year, Catlin finished tied for 17th at the Class 3A championships, firing five-over par (74-75—149) in the two-day tournament.
(Courtesy of Kim Catlin)

Moreover, the timing couldn’t have been better.

The team had just graduated a strong senior class buoyed by Morgan Powers, Alexis Lane and Lexy Frenchko.

With that, Calzone figured the 2017 season would be a retooling year. “We were like, ‘Man, it’s going to be a struggle this year,’” he recalled.

Little did the coach know the most accomplished female golfer in school history had walked in the door, and she’d guide the program to three straight conference championships and district titles.

At tryouts when Calzone asked which of the newcomers had ever golfed before, Catlin meekly raised her hand, speaking softly without much conviction.

Assuming she was mostly a novice with the sport, Calzone unwittingly placed her with a beginner’s group, instead of with some of the team’s more experienced returnees.

He soon discovered a mistake was made.

“It took me two shots to realize, ‘Ok, you need to be in that (top) group with those other girls…,’” Calzone chuckled. “I joke with her all the time, like, ‘You could’ve told me you were like one of the elite players in the area.’ …It was a good surprise to have, obviously.”

The rest is history.

“She’s definitely by far the best (player) we’ve had,” Calzone said of Catlin.

Since entering the Wiregrass Ranch hallways, Catlin has laid claim to the county’s top female

golfer. She is a three-time Sunshine Athletic Conference Player of the Year and three-time state qualifier.

Her freshman year she became the first female golfer in school history to qualify for the state finals, held annually at the Mission Inn Resort & Club, in Howey-in-the-Hills.

As a junior last year, Catlin finished tied for 17th at the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) Class 3A state championships, firing five-over par (74-75—149) across the two-day tournament.

It represented the best showing among female golfers from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. The next top score among locals was Steinbrenner High’s Posie Farrelly, who carded nine-over par (79-74 — 153)

Entering her senior campaign, Catlin is looking to build on her past accolades and then some, if and when the already-delayed Florida prep sports season gets underway due to COVID-19.

In addition to trying to secure top county honors and a strong state finish a fourth time, her main goal is to finish undefeated in the dozen or so regular season matches scheduled.

“It’s something that I’ve gotten very close to the last three seasons. I want to be able to do it at least once before my high school career is over,” she said.

Catlin, too, hopes her accomplishments inspire her younger teammates and the next generation of female golfers: “Honestly, I really hope somebody sees what I’ve done and wants to beat it, because that’s how you get better.”

‘A mental game’
On the course, Catlin takes pride in her short game, particularly her chipping ability. It was a skill she began mastering at a young age, using her family’s backyard to practice various angles and distances.

To shore up her accuracy, Catlin’s father would give her $1 every time she hit a tree from a particular position. “We had to stop that very quickly because I’d bankrupt him,” she quipped.

Catlin’s chip shot proficiency, too, has awed Calzone over the years: “It’s crazy, she’ll be five or 10 feet within the pin, ready for birdie almost every time, and if she’s not, it’s almost like you’re shocked, you know.”

The mental side of the game is another of Catlin’s strengths. She makes a point to not let a bad shot or two ruin an entire round — a common theme for some golfers. Instead, she tries to stay level-headed and keep her composure throughout.

Catlin detailed her mindset: “The biggest mistake that some golfers make is when they hit one bad shot, they get very upset, because they think their day is ruined, whereas their attitude towards the situation is what ruins their round. By keeping a level head and telling yourself, ‘Golf is a game, at the end of the day,’ it’s a lot easier to hit the next shot and bounce back.”

Better prepared
Each summer, Catlin travels to St. Petersburg, Russia, to visit family members on her mother’s side.

Catlin doesn’t pick up a golf club during that period, which admittedly leaves her rusty for a couple weeks in advance of the season.

Norah Catlin said one of her main goals as a senior is to be undefeated in all regular season matches. She’d been close to achieving that feat in the past.

The pandemic, however, cancelled the teen’s annual Russia trip.

From a golfing standpoint, it could prove a blessing in disguise.

That’s because she has used the extra downtime in town to hit the links with more fervor — and should yield a more polished version of herself  by the start of the season, whenever that is.

“I think all this extra practice that I’ve been able to do is really going to help me,” Catlin said, adding she’s fortunate golf courses have stayed open during the pandemic, as the sport’s been deemed an essential recreational activity by state and local governments. “It’s been nice to still have my sport running, and it gives me something to do every day.”

More prepared than usual for the start of a season, Calzone acknowledged Catlin could put forth her best showing of her prep career.

“If she’s been playing all summer, look out,” the coach said. “She’s never disappointed me, so my expectations are always pretty high for her, because I know what she’s going to do.”

Promising future awaits
Catlin has multiple offers to golf collegiately, but she hasn’t yet decided if that’s a path she’ll take.

One of the top students in her senior class with a 4.5 GPA who takes a heavy dose of Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-enrollment classes, Catlin aspires to study political science in college and attend law school. She also is passionate about environmental issues, recently completing an online environmental justice fellowship amid the pandemic. Studying abroad in Russia and becoming fluent in the language are some other lofty objectives.

When it comes to higher education, Catlin said, “I just want to focus more time on my school and focusing on my GPA.”

In either case, golf will still be a lifelong hobby for her, whether she’s playing competitively or not.

“It’s definitely going to be in my life, probably for the rest of my life,” Catlin said. “I genuinely like it because it gives me time alone, time to think, and it’s as much of a mental game as it is a physical game. …Also, it’s just a nice way to get fresh air.”

Whatever Catlin winds up doing, Catlin’s high school coach is sure she’ll find success.

“She’s just an unbelievable person,” Calzone said. “She’s just a great, all-around person. Her grades, she’s very polite, she’s well-liked by all the teachers, the kids at school. Just a great, unbelievable person. I mean, she’s unbelievable at golf, but I think she’s just an unbelievable, all-around student-athlete.”

Published August 05, 2020

New principal embraces chance to lead Steinbrenner

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Tiffany Ewell, the new principal at Steinbrenner High School, said she always  knew she would face a learning curve when taking the leadership role at a school.

However, she said, “my learning curve might be a little steeper than I ever imagined.”

After all, in addition to assuming a  new role, Ewell faces a school year filled with uncertainties because of COVID-19.

“But, we’re all in the same boat,” Ewell said. “The challenges are there for everyone. We’re going to get through this and we’ll do it together.’’

Tiffany Ewell, the new principal at Steinbrenner High School, comes from Strawberry Crest High, where she was assistant principal in charge of the International Baccalaureate program. (Joey Johnston)

The educator, who was promoted in June from her position as assistant principal for the International Baccalaureate program at Strawberry Crest High in Dover, has spent her summer preparing for the new school year.

At a time when the incoming principal would normally be assessing her faculty lineup, meeting and greeting with parents, and getting to know the community, she’s forced to work at a social distance. She’s preparing Steinbrenner’s brick-and-mortar classrooms for the proper health precautions, while also devising strategies for eLearning students.

“Some of the best advice a first-time principal can receive is the need to be patient and flexible … and that’s certainly true right now,’’ Ewell said. “Even though we’re in a historic and stressful time, I know I’m surrounded by so much support. We all want the same thing and that’s to see our students be successful.

“Regardless of COVID-19, there are a lot of changes in the county with a new superintendent (Addison Davis). There’s a great feeling of camaraderie among all the principals. Staff and parents have been super supportive. Steinbrenner has been a great school for a long time. I’m relying on the support systems available to me and know things don’t have to be reinvented. I’m here to help and, at times, put my own direction on it. I’m very excited to be here.’’

Ewell replaces Kelly King, who was assigned to Hillsborough High after seven years as Steinbrenner’s principal.

Ironically, Ewell and King once worked side by side as social studies instructors when their teaching careers began at King High School. They went together from King to Freedom, following principal Richard Bartels, who told them both, “I’m going to make principals of you one day.’’

“Mr. Bartels was right … it actually happened,’’ King said. “Certainly, it defies the odds that two social studies teachers and next-door classroom neighbors just starting out would become principals.

“Even long ago, we talked about it all the time. We went through all the leadership development courses and programs. We had the same kind of goals. We were just two peas in a pod. I’m thrilled that Tiffany has gotten this opportunity, and I couldn’t think of a better person for the Steinbrenner position.’’

As they shifted into administration, King and Ewell worked a parallel path, sometimes applying for the same jobs, even driving together to attend back-to-back interviews.

“I can always pick up the phone and ask Kelly a question, so our friendship and her experience at Steinbrenner are a great asset,’’ said Ewell, who had worked at Strawberry Crest since the East Hillsborough County school opened in 2009.

King said the Steinbrenner community won’t notice much of a difference because “Tiffany and I are really similar in so many ways.’’

Indeed, they are close friends and confidants. They have even taken vacations together.

“Tiffany’s leadership style will be a great fit at Steinbrenner,’’ King said. “She was a very strong teacher and she has the IB experience, so she knows the importance of college readiness. I think she will continue the success of the academic and extracurricular programs.

“This is a unique time with unique challenges, but it’s still the best job in the world. As a principal, there are stressful times, but you remain focused on the big picture. You do what’s right for the students. You hear from all the people who have a stake in it, then make decisions, always keeping the students first and foremost. Through it all, you’ve got to have some fun, too. The job can wear you out, but it’s also so fun and so rewarding. Tiffany will have the perfect priorities for success,” King said.

In assuming the school’s top job, Ewell becomes just the third principal in Steinbrenner’s history, replacing King, who had replaced Brenda Grasso, the school’s first principal.

Ewell is a graduate of King High School. She originally attended the University of Florida (UF) with designs on becoming a broadcast journalist. In high school, she even conducted an interview with Fox-13 news anchor Kelly Ring, while dreaming of one day filling a similar role in her hometown.

Back then, some King teachers insisted that Ewell would ultimately migrate into education.

“I’m not going to be a teacher, I’m a journalist,’’ Ewell protested.

But, at UF, she visualized a gypsy lifestyle in broadcasting, hopping from town to town while climbing the career ladder, and that didn’t seem appealing.

She transferred to the University of South Florida, where she shifted to education.

Ewell hasn’t regretted the move.

She loves to travel. She’s a doting aunt to her nephews, Drew and Zach Ehrhard, both high-level baseball players. She’s passionate about all things Tampa Bay.

But, her biggest passion is education. And now, that passion is centered on Steinbrenner.

“Obviously, there are a lot of unknowns right now.

“But, we’re going to build relationships and make it work. Things have worked well at Steinbrenner for a long time. I’m here to lend support and keep things moving in a good direction,” Ewell said.

By Joey Johnston

Published July 29, 2020

Locals among top MLB draft prospects

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Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Major League Baseball (MLB)’s 2020 first-year player draft has been shortened to five rounds, from the usual 40 rounds in previous years.

The draft, scheduled for June 10 and June 11, assigns amateur baseball players to MLB teams.

Even with the new consolidated format, however, several locals from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area have a solid chance at being among the 160 athletes drafted. And, they have the possibility of living out their boyhood dreams and landing signing bonuses of hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars.

Steinbrenner High product CJ Van Eyk, now at Florida State University (Courtesy of Florida State University athletics department)

Four athletes with area ties are listed among MLB.com’s top 200 nationwide draft prospect rankings, including two within the top 100.

The highest-rated local is Steinbrenner High alum CJ Van Eyk, a junior right-handed pitcher at Florida State University (FSU) — listed as the No. 39 overall draft prospect, by the website.

The 6-foot-1, 198-pound Van Eyk registered an 18-5 win-loss record, 3.21 ERA, 1.274 WHIP and 225 strikeouts in 176.2 innings pitched across three college seasons.

The Lutz native has been a known commodity going back to his prep days, earning first-team All-American honors and a gold medal with the 18U USA National Team. He also led Steinbrenner to its first state championship as a junior in 2016 and was crowned Florida Dairy Farmers’ Class 8A Player of the Year.

Van Eyk was drafted out of high school by the New York Mets in the 19th round of the 2017 draft, but didn’t sign, opting for college instead.

A snippet of MLB.com’s analysis on Van Eyk reads: “The Florida State ace is capable of being a complete pitcher because of his willingness to pitch in with his fastball, his ability to throw his breaking ball at any point in the count and his feel for mixing his pitches to keep hitters off-balance, though issues with his command persisted over his first four starts in 2020. His potential as a starter still should have him in consideration in the top two rounds of the Draft.”

Sunlake High product Tommy Mace, now at the University of Florida (Courtesy of University of Florida athletics department)

The next highest-ranked local is Sunlake High product Tommy Mace, a junior-right handed pitcher at the University of Florida — rated the No. 70 overall prospect for the 2020 draft.

In three seasons at Florida, the 6-foot-6, 200-pound Mace compiled a 16-5 win-loss record, 4.37 ERA, 1.299 WHIP and 145 strikeouts in 179.1 innings pitched. He was off to his best college campaign this year, tallying a 1.67 ERA in a team-high 27 innings, until the remainder of the season was canceled thanks to COVID-19.

Mace was a three-year varsity player at Sunlake. His senior year he guided the program to a 17-12 mark and the Class 7A regional final. He then was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 12th round of the 2017 draft, but like Van Eyk, didn’t sign to pursue the college route.

MLB.com’s profile on Mace reports states the following: “Mace generally does a nice job of throwing strikes, keeping the ball down in the zone and getting ground ball outs. He gets high marks for his mound presence and makeup, putting him among a solid crop of top two round college pitchers in Florida.”

Though slightly outside our coverage area, an athlete in west Pasco County also cracked MLB’s top 200 prospect list.

Wesley Chapel native/Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High product Carson Ragsdale, now at the University of South Florida (Courtesy of University of South Florida athletics department)

Trinity native Jackson Miller, a senior catcher at Mitchell High, is rated as the 2020 draft’s No. 105 prospect. The Wake Forest University commit posted a .414/.498/.591 slash line in 88 games across four varsity seasons.

Meanwhile, Wesley Chapel native/Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High product Carson Ragsdale, a redshirt junior right-handed pitcher at the University of South Florida (USF), is ranked as the draft’s No. 170 prospect.

The 6-foot-8, 225-pound Ragsdale transitioned to a starter’s role this year at USF, after pitching out of the bullpen his freshman and sophomore seasons. (He missed the 2019 season following Tommy John surgery). He posted a 3.75 ERA, 1.391 WHIP and 77 strikeouts in 50.1 innings across three college seasons. Off the field, he was selected to the 2018-2019 American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.

Ragsdale was a four-year letter winner at Bishop McLaughlin. He compiled a 1.58 ERA and .352 batting average in his high school career. Those Hurricanes teams that Ragsdale played on went a combined 77-21 from 2013 to 2016.

MLB.com’s report on Ragsdale observes: “Ragsdale threw a lot of strikes this spring, but is still more control than command at this point. Given that scouts only saw four outings from Ragsdale as USF’s Sunday starter, there’s very limited track record for teams to look at, but his size and arm strength, even if it ends up in the bullpen, could be enough for teams to take a chance on him in this year’s Draft.”

Robust draft history
It’s not uncommon for at least a couple locals from area high schools and colleges to be drafted each year.

Last year, Land O’ Lakes High/St. Petersburg College second baseman Dustin Harris was selected in the 11th round by the Oakland Athletics, while Pasco-Hernando State College/University of Tampa pitcher Tyler Beck was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 30th round.

The 2018 draft yielded four local products:

  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High/University of North Florida pitcher Frank German (fourth round, New York Yankees)
  • Saint Leo University pitcher/first baseman Jake Sims (31st round, San Diego Padres)
  • Saint Leo University second baseman Zach Scott (32nd round, Seattle Mariners)
  • Wiregrass Ranch High/University of North Florida pitcher Austin Drury (34th round, Los Angeles Dodgers)

The 2017 draft also was particularly kind to local talent. In addition to Van Eyk and Mace getting drafted out of the prep ranks, six other athletes with local ties were chosen:

  • Odessa native/Bishop McLaughlin/College of Central Florida pitcher Nate Pearson (first round, Toronto Blue Jays)
  • Steinbrenner High/USF shortstop Kevin Merrell (first round compensatory, Oakland Athletics)
  • Steinbrenner High first baseman Patrick Morris (14th round, Toronto Blue Jays)
  • Steinbrenner High/Bishop McLaughlin/University of Pittsburgh pitcher Josh Falk (17th round, Oakland Athletics)
  • Odessa native/Alonso High pitcher Jordan Butler (34th round, New York Yankees)
  • Bishop McLaughlin outfielder Paul Coumoulos (40th round, Philadelphia Phillies)

Locals on MLB.com’s top 200 prospect rankings

  • Steinbrenner High/Florida State University pitcher CJ Van Eyk (No. 39 overall draft prospect)
  • Sunlake High/University of Florida pitcher Tommy Mace (No. 70)
  • Trinity/Mitchell High catcher Jackson Miller (No. 105)
  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High/University of South Florida pitcher Carson Ragsdale (No. 170)

Published May 27, 2020

Class of 2020: Graduations delayed

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The public school districts in Pasco and Hillsborough counties have announced delayed graduation ceremonies to help seniors mark their rite of passage during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hillsborough County public school graduations will be held in July, according to a district announcement.

Pasco County graduations will be held in August, Pasco County Superintendent Kurt Browning said, during the Pasco County School Board’s April 21 virtual meeting.

“We know that students and parents are anxious to know what these plans are,” Browning said.

“As soon as the dates are set in August, we will push those dates out to moms and dads, and the students and the school administrators,” he said.

The superintendent also said that a virtual celebration is being planned, in the interim.

“We believe it’s important to mark the final week of school with a celebration, so staff is working on a virtual celebration leading up to the last week,” Browning said.

School Board Chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin said, “I really want to thank the superintendent and staff for sharing their plans for graduation, because I have gotten quite a few phone calls and comments from people in our community, and everyone is very concerned about recognizing our seniors. And, I know all of us and all of you share that angst.”

Board member Megan Harding said she wanted to let seniors know that she understands “how heartbreaking” the news was, that students would not return to campus and that graduations would be delayed.

“I want to remind them to finish strong and know that we’re cheering you on, and we are going to be creative and find ways to honor the Class of 2020,” Harding said.

The revised Hillsborough public school graduation dates are listed on that district’s website. As of this time, here are the dates and times set for high schools that are in, or near, The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are:

  • Freedom: July 18, 9 a.m.
  • Gaither: July 15, 9 a.m.
  • Steinbrenner, July 16, 8 p.m.
  • Wharton, July 17, 12:30 p.m.
  • Sickles, July 20, 4 p.m.

All of the Hillsborough County ceremonies are scheduled to take place at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall.

Published May 06, 2020

Locals named to All-State football teams

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Athletes within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were well-represented on the FloridaHSFootball.com’s All-State teams for the 2019 season.

In total, 18 players from four local schools in Hillsborough and Pasco counties were named first-team, second-team, third-team or honorable mention for their respective classifications.

The All-State teams were compiled by FloridaHSFootball.com, along with the consideration of coaches nominations and consultation of all-area/all-county teams and members of the media from around the state.

Steinbrenner High School (8A) garnered the most selections among local schools, with eight.

That included three first-team choices (quarterback Haden Carlson, senior offensive lineman Matt Adcock, senior utility Deon Silas), three second-team choices (senior receiver Dean Patterson, junior linebacker Austin Brannen, junior defensive back Matt Durrance) a third-team choice (junior defensive lineman Aiden Bitter) and an honorable mention (junior defensive lineman Desmond Mamudi).

Carlson also was named the Class 8A Offensive Player of the Year. The Florida International University signee completed 62.4% of his throws for 2,382 yards, 33 touchdowns and five interceptions, guiding the Warriors to a 12-2 mark and the Class 8A state semifinals.

Gaither High School (6A) also was well-represented on the All-State list, with seven selections.

That included three first-team choices (senior quarterback Tony Bartalo, senior offensive lineman Jake Karsen, senior defensive back Hunter Mintzer), two-second team choices (senior receiver Deveon Knighton, junior athlete Jordan Oladokun) and two third-team choices (sophomore receiver Drelin Pittman, sophomore defensive lineman Mario Eugenio).

Bartalo also was named the Class 6A Overall Player of the Year — helping the Cowboys to a 12-2 mark and the Class 6A state semifinals.

The Bethune-Cookman signee completed 62.6% of his throws for 3,194 yards, 45 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also made an impact with his legs, rushing for 382 yards and five touchdowns. Bartalo’s 45 touchdown passes were the most in Florida among all classifications, and good for fifth-most all-time in state history.

Wiregrass Ranch High School (7A) had two All-State selections  —  senior linebacker Dylan Ridolph (second-team) and senior receiver Keith Walker (third-team).

It marks Ridolph’s third time on the All-State listing. The Catawba College signee exits as one of the most productive defensive players in Pasco County history. He holds the county record for most career sacks, with 48. He also tallied 274 total tackles and 78 tackles for loss across three varsity seasons.

Elsewhere, Zephyrhills Christian Academy senior defensive lineman Malik Jones garnered Class 2A first-team defense honors. The 6-2, 296-pound Florida Atlantic University signee ranked third in the state in sacks (29) in 2019, also registering 113 total tackles and 38.0 tackles for loss.

There were no All-State representatives in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area from Classes 5A, 4A, 3A or 1A.

Last year, 24 players from nine local schools in Hillsborough and Pasco counties were named first-team, second-team, third-team or honorable mention for their respective classifications.

Class 8A
Haden Carlson, Steinbrenner, senior, quarterback (first-team offense, offensive player of the year)
Matt Adcock, Steinbrenner, senior, offensive lineman (first-team offense)
Deon Silas, Steinbrenner, junior, utility (first-team offense)
Dean Patterson, Steinbrenner, senior, receiver (second-team offense)
Austin Brannen, Steinbrenner, junior, linebacker (second-team defense)
Matt Durrance, Steinbrenner, junior, defensive back (second-team defense)
Aiden Bitter, Steinbrenner, senior, receiver (third-team offense)
Desmond Mamudi, Steinbrenner, junior, defensive lineman (honorable mention)

Class 7A
Dylan Ridolph, Wiregrass Ranch, senior, linebacker (second-team defense)
Keith Walker, Wiregrass Ranch, senior, receiver (third-team offense)

Class 6A
Tony Bartalo, Gaither, senior, quarterback (first-team offense, overall player of the year)
Jake Karsen, Gaither, senior, offensive lineman (first-team offense)
Hunter Mintzer, Gaither, senior, defensive back (first-team defense)
Deveon Knighton, Gaither, senior, receiver (second-team offense)
Jordan Oladokun, Gaither, junior, athlete (second-team defense)
Drelin Pittman, Gaither, sophomore, receiver (third-team offense)
Mario Eugenio, Gaither, sophomore, defensive lineman (third-team defense)

Class 2A
Malik Jones, Zephyrhills Christian, senior, defensive lineman (first-team defense)

Published March 25, 2020

Hometown kids shine in 2019 college football season

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The college football season has come to a close, and it was one in which many players with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area showcased their skills.

Dozens of area athletes are a part of programs at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Series (FCS) levels, as well as Division II, Division III, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and junior college ranks.

Here is a look at some of them.

Noah Ruggles
College: University of North Carolina, sophomore kicker
High School: Steinbrenner High (Odessa native)

Steinbrenner High product Noah Ruggles (Courtesy of University of North Carolina Athletics)

The Steinbrenner product appears entrenched as UNC’s long-term answer at kicker, as he enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign, converting 19 of 27 field goal attempts, including a long of 49 yards, and converting all 45 of his extra-point attempts.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Ruggles was nearly automatic on kicks inside 40 yards, but struggled on some longer kicks, including going 0-for-3 on attempts of more than 50 yards.

Arguably, his most defining moment came when he kicked the game-winning field goal in a 20-17 home win against conference rival Duke University on Oct. 26. It was a just week removed from UNC head coach Mack Brown benching Ruggles, after he missed two overtime field goal attempts in a road loss to Virginia Tech.

While at Steinbrenner, Ruggles developed into one of the nation’s most coveted kicking prospects, ranked as the No. 9 kicker by 247sports.com and the No. 12 kicker by ESPN.com for the 2017 recruiting class.

Chris Faddoul
College: Florida A&M University, junior punter
High School: Wiregrass Ranch High (Wesley Chapel native)

Since he stepped foot on FAMU’s campus as a freshman in 2017, Faddoul’s leg has been put to good use.

Wiregrass Ranch High product Chris Faddoul (File)

A three-year starter, Faddoul again earned consecutive All-American honors after another banner season for a team that went 9-2 and undefeated in conference.

His average of 46 yards per punt ranked second in Division I FCS (Football Championship Series). The 5-foot-11, 210-pound specialist tallied 40 punts for 1,841 yards, with 19 punts placed inside the 20-yard line, 16 punts of 50 yards or longer, and only five touchbacks. He also registered a career-long punt of 72 yards in an Oct. 20 overtime win over nationally-ranked North Carolina A&T State.

At Wiregrass Ranch, Faddoul was something of an athletic unicorn, playing football, soccer, tennis, and also competing in track and field. His senior year on the gridiron, Faddoul guided the Bulls to a state playoff appearance in 2016, as the team’s starting quarterback, kicker and punter.

Michael Penix Jr.
College: Indiana University, redshirt freshman quarterback
High School: Tampa Bay Tech/Pasco High (Dade City native)

Dade City native Michael Penix Jr. (Courtesy of Indiana University Athletics)

The Dade City native got off to a roaring start as Indiana’s starting signal-caller in 2019, helping guide the Big Ten program to its best start since 1993, up until he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in November that required surgery.

Indiana was 5-1 in games played by Penix, who completed 69% of his throws for 1,394 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions, and tallied 119 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

The 6-foot-3, 203-pound lefty made history by becoming the first freshman quarterback to start an opener for the Hoosiers since Antwaan Randel El in 1998.

While Penix seemingly has a bright future ahead, injuries have become a concern. He also suffered a season-ending ACL injury in 2018 as a true freshman.

For his prep career, Penix played his first two seasons at Pasco High, then transferred to Tampa Bay Tech, finishing with 6,986 total yards and 76 touchdowns. He is something of a Pirates legacy, as his father was an All-State tailback/defensive back at Pasco High in the early ’90s; his uncle played there, too.

Donovan Jennings
College: University of South Florida, sophomore left tackle
High School: Gaither High (Tampa native)

Gaither High product Donovan Jennings (Courtesy of University of South Florida Athletics)

The 6-foot-5, 328-pound Jennings has established himself as a reliable and consistent protector for USF quarterbacks’ blindside, playing in a combined 22 games his freshman and sophomore seasons. He began the 2019 season at right guard, before moving to and finishing the season on the left side of the offensive line.

The Gaither High product this past season was USF’s highest-graded offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus (66.9), a website that focuses on thorough analysis of the National Football League and NCAA Division I football.

Jennings has been lauded by coaches for his pass protection skills and effectiveness in the run game, because of combination of quick feet, balance and strength. He often was tasked with blocking opponent’s top pass-rushers in one-on-one situations last season.

Jennings is actually a late bloomer to the gridiron, as he didn’t begin playing football until his freshman year of high school because he exceeded the size limit for youth football leagues. He instead turned his attention to basketball, where he played four years on varsity at Gaither.

His future, however, was found in football.

He developed into an All-State player and a three-star prospect, earning scholarship offers from Central Florida, Virginia, Marshall, Old Dominion and Toledo universities.

Nate Craig-Myers
College: Colorado State University, redshirt junior wide receiver (Auburn transfer)
High School: Tampa Catholic/Pasco High (Dade City native)

Dade City native Nate Craig-Myers (Courtesy of University of Colorado Athletics)

After transferring from Auburn early in the 2018 season, the Dade City native and former blue chip prospect put together his most productive college season, becoming Colorado State’s fourth-leading receiver in 2019, hauling in 23 receptions for 329 yards and a touchdown, in nine games.

Before his transfer, Craig-Myers seemed like a star-in-the-making for the powerhouse SEC (Southeastern Conference) Alabama-based school.

He posted 16 catches for 285 yards and three touchdowns for Auburn’s 2017 squad that went 10-4 and reached the SEC Championship.

The 6-foot-2, 202-pound athlete was expected to break out for Auburn in 2018, but a lack of targets in the early going led him to seek opportunities elsewhere. His half-brother and former Pasco High standout, Jayvaughn Myers, also left the team around the same time.

Craig-Myers wasted no time making an impact with Colorado State this past year, making five catches for 88 yards in his first game against Toledo on Sept. 21. He followed that up with strong showings in his next two games against Utah State (three catches, 97 yards) and San Diego State (four catches, 68 yards, touchdown), respectively.

In the prep ranks, Craig-Myers spent two seasons with Pasco High before finishing his career at Tampa Catholic High. He was one of the nation’s most touted football recruits, a consensus four-star prospect with more than 40 scholarship offers, including from the likes of Ohio State, Florida and Florida State universities, among others.

Other notables

  • University of Miami redshirt senior defensive end Scott Patchan (IMG Academy/Freedom High) finished with a career-high 33 tackles, including six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, in 13 games and six starts.
  • Florida State University junior tight end Tre’ McKitty (IMG Academy/Wesley Chapel High) collected 23 receptions for 241 yards, in 11 games.
  • Samford University redshirt sophomore tailback Antwione Sims (Zephyrhills High) racked up 108 all-purpose yards, in 11 games.
  • Florida State University redshirt sophomore DeCalon Brooks (Gaither High) tallied 15 tackles, in 11 games.
  • Florida State University freshman defensive back Isaiah Bolden (Wesley Chapel High/Jacksonville Bartram Trail) collected eight tackles, two pass breakups and an interception, in 12 games.
  • Morehouse College freshman defensive back Cartrell Strong (Zephyrhills High) registered 15 tackles, three pass breakups and an interception, in eight games.
  • University of Cincinnati freshman safety Ja’quan Sheppard (Zephyrhills High) had five tackles, in four games.

Top 2019 sports moments

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Teams captured state titles and local athletes turned in outstanding performances, during a year that brought shining moments and countless lasting memories.

Here is a look at some of the top moments in sports, from across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

Longtime Zephyrhills High boys hoops coach Alan Reed (File)

Zephyrhills High names ‘Alan Reed Court’
Little more than a year after naming its football field after legendary coach Tom Fisher, Zephyrhills High School named the school’s gymnasium floor after longtime varsity boys’ basketball coach Alan Reed.

A formal dedication ceremony for Reed was held Jan. 18 — an evening that coincided with a Bulldogs defeat of crosstown rival Pasco High, 61-34.

The 71-year-old served as Zephyrhills boys’ basketball coach for a total of 16 years, in four separate stints — 1975 to 1979; 1981 to 1986; 2006 to 2010; and, 2014 to 2016.

During that time he became — and still is — the school’s all-time winningest basketball coach.

In total, he’s been involved with Zephyrhills athletics for more than 35 years, also coaching volleyball, track, football and softball.

He remains a volunteer coach at the school, to this day.

Sunlake varsity girls weightlifting won its first state title in February. (File)

Sunlake girls weightlifting wins state title
The Sunlake High varsity girls weightlifting program, under longtime coach Denise Garcia, perennially has been among the more dominant programs in the area, wielding multiple conference and district titles over the years. And, the Seahawks took the next step forward in February, winning the 2019 FHSAA Class 2A girls weightlifting state championship, in Panama City Beach. The title marked the end of the sport’s longest-active streak of consecutive team championships held by Navarre High, who won four straight from 2015 through 2018.

The feat marked Sunlake’s second state championship among all boys or girls sports — the school’s competitive cheerleading team won a state title back in 2014.

Academy at the Lakes softball repeats at states
A year after claiming the school’s first-ever FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic) state championship, the Academy at the Lakes Wildcats did it again in May. Behind the arm and bat of two-time Gatorade Florida State Softball Player of the Year Lexi Kilfoyl, the Wildcats mowed through the Class 2A state playoffs, outscoring opponents by a combined 35-0 — including an 11-0 shutout against Mount Dora Christian Academy in the state title game.

Women’s sports museum opens in Wesley Chapel
Wesley Chapel’s AdventHealth Center Ice is widely known as the largest hockey facility in the Southeastern United States and training ground of the gold-medal winning 2018 U.S. Olympic women’s ice hockey team.

In March, it became known for another meaningful reason — the home of the first virtual museum dedicated to women’s hockey trailblazers.

Called the Women’s Sports Herstory Museum, it is the brainchild of female hockey coaching legend Digit Murphy and her friend, Jeff Novotny, a Wesley Chapel resident.

Situated in a second-floor viewing room at Center Ice, the museum features interactive wall panel displays where visitors scan QR codes to view content online in the form of videos and in-depth stories.

Poster-sized displays highlight several of hockey’s female pioneers, including Katey Stone, Katie Guay and Amanda Pelkey. The room is also filled with various sports memorabilia and equipment, including a signed jersey and signed pictures of all 23 members of the U.S. Olympic women’s ice hockey team.

Zephyrhills tennis center breaks ground
Years of talks and planning to bring a state-of-the-art tennis center to Zephyrhills finally became a reality in July, when a groundbreaking ceremony officially marked the beginning of construction on the long-awaited Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness, at 6585 Simons Road, Zephyrhills.

Situated on more than 8 acres of land, the multimillion complex when complete will feature 11 outdoor tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, four padel courts, along with an adjoining 7,400-square-foot indoor wellness center housing a fitness and rehabilitation studio, salt/sauna room, cryotherapy, pro shop, café, kids’ area and more.

Slated to open in summer 2020, the facility is named in honor of Sarah Vande Berg, a former Zephyrhills High School district tennis champion, who died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

Land O’ Lakes Little League baseball celebrated its first state title since the early 2000s. (File)

Land O’ Lakes Little League wins state crown
It is believed to have been more than 15 years since a Land O’ Lakes Little League baseball team won a state title — until this summer.

In July, the Land O’ Lakes all-star squad composed of 14- to 16-year-olds bested seven other teams all across the state at the 2019 Little League Baseball Senior League Florida State Championships, in Bradenton.

The roster was made up of players from Land O’ Lakes, Sunlake, and Cypress Creek high schools, who put aside local prep rivalries to come together as a group.

Before advancing to and winning states, the team moved through districts and sectional tournaments in Tampa, Land O’ Lakes and Plant City, respectively.

Playing in round robin, double elimination formats, Land O’ Lakes lost initial games in sectionals and states, forcing them to play from behind and win multiple games in same days to claim the respective tournaments.. They went 7-2 in all three tournaments combined, outscoring opponents by a 57-27 margin.

Wesley Chapel fishing enthusiast Keven Barber. (File)

Local fisherman featured on national television
Wesley Chapel’s Keven Barber got the fishing trip of a lifetime, when he was featured on the Union Sportsman’s Alliance “Brotherhood Outdoors” television series on the Sportsman Channel. Barber’s August saltwater fishing trip along the Mississippi River Delta in Louisiana was shown to the masses on television in October.

Barber was selected for the show based on his combination of passion for the outdoors, union membership and involvement, volunteer efforts and more. When he’s not working or fishing, the father of four boys stays busy as a scout leader and director of tackle football for the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association.

Pasco High claimed victory over Zephyrhills High in this year’s 9-Mile War rivalry football game. (Courtesy of Pasco High Athletics)

Pasco High gets revenge in 9-Mile War
The year 2014 was the last time Pasco High had beaten Zephyrhills High in the annual 9-Mile War rivalry football game, in a 35-34 nail-biter.

Since then, the contests had been extremely one-sided in favor or Zephyrhills, who won the ensuing four games (2015-2018) by a combined 187-39 scoring margin.

But, in November, under first-year head coach Jason Stokes, Pasco finally unseated the Bulldogs – winning the November matchup by a decisive 27-9 mark. Even better for the Pirates, they did it on the Bulldogs home turf. The Pirates now lead the series 41-21, in a tradition that dates back to 1941.

Steinbrenner High boys’ cross-country (File)

Steinbrenner boys’ cross-country claim first state title
After finishing state runner-up the past two years, the Steinbrenner High boys’ cross-country program at last collected its first-ever state championship in the FHSAA Class 4A meet in Tallahassee in November.

The Warriors were paced by senior Josh King, who finished in sixth place overall, crossing the finish line in 15:52.32. The rest of the team’s top five runners were senior Blake Walker (19th, 16:05.88), senior Gabriel Lara (32nd, 16:19.79), junior Zachary Harrigan (45th, 16:26.18) and senior Rama Jonnalgadda (56th, 16:30.95). Steinbrenner’s 129 points in the meet were enough to edge out second-place team finisher Nease High (140)

Gaither, Steinbrenner football programs reach state semifinals
It was a banner year for the two Lutz area prep football programs, as both Steinbrenner and Gaither high schools reached the state semifinals in Classes 6A and 8A, respectively. Both programs were buoyed by top-flight senior quarterbacks— Haden Carlson for Steinbrenner, Tony Bartalo for Gaither — plus several other Division I prospects dotting their respective rosters. Moreover, both local programs went 12-2, marking the only 10-plus win seasons from teams in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Published January 01, 2020