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 … [Read more...]
Class of 2020: Graduations delayed
May 5, 2020 By
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 … [Read more...]
Locals named to All-State football teams
March 24, 2020 By
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 … [Read more...]
Hometown kids shine in 2019 college football season
January 15, 2020 By
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) … [Read more...]
Top 2019 sports moments
January 2, 2020 By
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: Zephyrhills High names ‘Alan Reed Court’ Little more than a year after naming its football field after legendary coach Tom Fisher, … [Read more...]
Locals finish strong at state swim meet
December 11, 2019 By
Several local schools and individuals in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area put up solid showings at the 2019 FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) state swimming and diving championships, held last month at Sailfish Splashpark Aquatic Athletics Center, in Stuart. A total of eight area schools were represented across all four classifications — Academy at the Lakes (Class 1A), … [Read more...]
Drop by the Old Lutz School for holiday fun
December 4, 2019 By
Workers were as busy as Santa’s elves on a recent weekend morning getting everything ready for the 23rd annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School. Members of The Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building organize volunteers who dress up the iconic community building for the holidays each year. Then, the organization hosts several evenings each holiday season — inviting both young and old … [Read more...]
Steinbrenner boys cross-country wins first state title
November 20, 2019 By
After finishing runner-up at the past two 4A state championships, Steinbrenner High’s varsity cross-country team won it all this year — defeating 31 other teams. The FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) 4A state championships were held on Nov. 9 at Tallahassee’s Apalachee Regional Park. The Steinbrenner Warriors were paced by senior Josh King, who finished in sixth place overall, … [Read more...]
Youth league blends football, life lessons
October 23, 2019 By
In this youth football program, life lessons are just as important as fundamentals of tackling, blocking or catching. Winning is nice and all, but the Keystone Bills youth football and cheerleading organization is more about developing tomorrow’s leaders, officials say. “We’re really trying to build young men and young women,” said Bills president/athletic director Jermaine Clemons, … [Read more...]
Prep football midseason review
October 2, 2019 By
The 2019 Florida high school football regular season has reached the midway point. Here’s a closer look at how teams and players are faring from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Perfect performers At the midway mark, there are three programs sporting undefeated records — Academy at the Lakes, Gaither and Steinbrenner. What do each have in common? Potent offenses backed by efficient, … [Read more...]
