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Wiregrass Ranch High

All-Pasco County girls fall awards announced

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

Selections were made for both the East and West divisions.

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

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

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

Fall Sports (Girls)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published January 20, 2021

Area swimmers make a big splash at state meet

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Records were broken and titles were claimed by area athletes at the 2020 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state swimming and diving championships, held last month at the Sailfish Splashpark Aquatic Athletics Center, in Stuart.

A total of nine local schools were represented across all four classifications —  Academy at the Lakes (Class 1A), Carrollwood Day School (1A), Cypress Creek Middle High (2A), Freedom High (3A), Gaither High (3A), Land O’ Lakes High (3A), Sunlake High (3A) and Wiregrass Ranch High (3A) and Steinbrenner High (4A).

Two of these programs registered top-10 finishes— the Freedom Patriots girls team finishing eighth among the 41 schools competing in 3A, and the Land O’ Lakes Gators boys team winding up eighth out of the 43 schools competing in 3A.

Another notable combined team showing came from the Steinbrenner Warriors, whose girls team finished 11th (among 32 schools competing in 4A) and boys team went 17th (among 37 schools competing in 4A).

The most striking showings came in the way of individual and relay performances.

On the boys side, Land O’ Lakes senior Zuri Ramsey captured three medals, headlined by his second-consecutive gold medal in the 3A 50-yard free, clocking 20.51. That bested his state title in the event last year, when he posted 20.53.

Ramsey also took second in the 100-yard free (45.87) and fifth in the 200-yard medley relay, teaming with sophomore Michael McCloskey, senior Griffin Sutek and freshman Garret McNab, who combined to post a 1:37.12 in the race.

Ramsey is the younger brother of former Gators standout Jabari Ramsey, who was a three-time state champion in the 100-yard breast and a one-time champion in the 200-yard medley relay — making him the swimmer to win the most gold medals in Pasco County history.

Cypress Creek senior Clyde Crouse captured multiple 2A medals for the second-straight year — placing fourth in the 200-yard medley free (1:42.43) and fifth in the 500-yard free (4:40.35) Last year, Crouse took silver in the 500-yard freestyle (4:34.48) and sixth in the 200-yard freestyle (1:44.01).

Other medals (top-eight finish) were collected in diving by Land O’ Lakes senior Mason Gandy and Cypress Creek freshman Jace Beckwith. Gandy went eighth in the 3A event (scoring 340.55) and Beckwith took seventh in the 2A event (322.40).

Also, Freedom senior Zachary Kopel earned an eighth-place medal in the 3A 500-yard free (4:39.62)

Steinbrenner High senior Alexis Mulvihill won gold and set a state record in the 4A 50-yard free, clocking 22.22. The Auburn University signee also took gold in the 100-yard fly (53.16). (Courtesy of Steinbrenner High School)

A slew of banner performances took place on the girls side of the pool, as well.

Most notable was Steinbrenner senior Alexis Mulvihill, who took gold in both the 4A 50-yard free (22.22) and 100-yard fly (53.16).

The Auburn University signee’s 50-yard free time is a new state record.

The previous mark of 22.30 was set in 2002 by Gulliver Prep’s Christina Swindle. Interestingly, Swindle went on to swim at Auburn and competed at the 2003 Pan American Games, winning gold in the 400-meter free and silver in the 100-meter free.

Of note: Mulvihill was about a half-second shy of the national high school swim record in the girls 50-yard free clocked at 21.59 — set in February by Gretchen Walsh, of Nashville, Tennessee.

And, Mulvihill wasn’t the only local girls swimmer to earn a state crown.

Freedom junior Michelle Morgan took first in the 3A 200-yard medley, clocking 2:00.92.

She also took silver in the 500-yard free (4:48.43) and anchored bronze in the 400-yard free relay with senior Hannah Labohn, and juniors Alexa Valdez-Vellez and Carly Joerin, who combined to swim the event in 3:32.58.

Other local female swimmers captured multiple medals, too.

Academy at the Lakes senior McKenna Smith — a Duke University signee — took third in both the 1A 50-yard free (23.15) and 100-yard free (50.34).

Carrollwood Day School freshman Adele Sands medaled in the 200-yard free and 100-yard free, in the 1A state meet. (Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)

Carrollwood Day School freshman Adele Sands went fifth in the 1A 100-yard free (51.96) and seventh in the 200-yard free (1:52.60).

Wiregrass Ranch junior Maryam Khalil went fifth in the 3A 100-yard breast (1:06.53) and eighth in the 50-yard free (24.48).

Land O’ Lakes senior Apryl Paquette took eighth in the 3A 200-yard free (1:57.62) and anchored an eighth-place finish in the 200-yard free relay, teaming with freshmen Jahzara Ramsey and Abigail Hahm, and junior Catherine Pinkos, as the group clocked 1:41.29 in the event.

Other medal performances came out of Sunlake, where it’s 3A 200-yard free relay team took seventh (1:40.17), while senior Isabella Monagas finished eighth in diving (342.25). The podium-earning relay team consisted of sophomore Madison Houck, juniors Amber Ewald and Lillian Hilt and senior Alex Sprague.

Results among locals at the state meet:

4A Boys
Steinbrenner (17th place, out of 37 schools)

Events:
200-yard freestyle relay: Jayden Repak, freshman; Alex Harkness, senior; Shane MacGregor, senior; Gavin Peck, freshman (ninth, 1:27.35)
100-yard backstroke: Shane MacGregor (11th, 52.81)
100-yard breaststroke: Garrett Sykes, junior (16th, 1:01.65)
400-yard freestyle relay: Shane Macgregor; Jayden Repak; Alex Harkness; Gavin Peck (ninth, 3:13.06)

Girls
Steinbrenner (11th, out of 32 schools)

Events:
50-yard freestyle: Alexis Mulvihill, senior (first, 22.22)
100-yard butterfly: Alexis Mulvihill (first, 53.16)
400-yard freestyle relay: Alexis Mulvihill; Emma Brown, senior; Kayla Daley, sophomore; Gavriela Daniels, freshman (ninth, 3:34.30)

3A Boys
Land O’ Lakes (eighth, out of 43 schools)

Events:
200-yard medley relay: Michael McCloskey, sophomore; Griffin Sutek, senior; Garret McNab, freshman; Zuri Ramsey, senior (fifth, 1:37.12)
50-yard freestyle: Ramsey, senior (first, 20.51)
Diving: Mason Gandy, senior (eighth, 340.55)
100-yard freestyle: Ramsey (second, 45.87)
200-yard freestyle relay: McCloskey; Sebastian Arbelaez, senior; McNab; Ramsey (12th, 1:31.58)
100-yard breaststroke: Griffin Sutek (ninth, 59.53)

Wiregrass Ranch (16th)

Events:
200-yard intermedley: Noah Porter, junior (14th, 2:03.21)
100-yard freestyle: Yuheng Chen, junior (14th, 49.30)
50-yard freestyle: Emanuel Silva, senior (12th, 22.17)
200-yard freestyle: Emanuel Silva; Matthew Gomez, senior; Noah Porter; Yuheng Chen (10th, 1:31.03)
400-yard freestyle relay: Noah Porter; Matthew Gomez; Emanuel Silva; Yuheng Chen (ninth, 3:19.97)

Freedom (25th)
500-yard freestyle: Zachary Kopel, senior (eighth, 4:39.62)

Gaither (tied 41st)
100-yard freestyle: Zachary Cannon, junior (15th, 49.64)

Girls
Freedom (eighth, out of 41 schools)
200-yard intermedley: Michelle Morgan, junior (first, 2:00.92)
50-yard freestyle: Hannah LaBohn, senior (tied 15th, 24.15)
100-yard freestyle: Hannah LaBohn (10th, 53.77)
500-yard freestyle: Michelle Morgan (second, 4:48.43); Carly Joerin, junior (11th, 5:03.06)
400-yard freestyle relay: Hannah LaBohn; Alexa Valdez-Vellez, junior; Carly Joerin; Michelle Morgan (third, 3:32.58)

Sunlake (14th)
200-yard medley relay: Amber Ewald, junior; Lillian Hilt, junior; Madison Houck, sophomore; Alex Sprague, senior (ninth, 1:53.64)
50-yard freestyle: Alex Sprague (tied 13th, 24.92)
Diving: Isabela Monagas, senior (eighth, 342.25)
200-yard freestyle: Madison Houck; Amber Ewald; Lillian Hilt; Alex Sprague (seventh, 1:40.17)
100-yard backstroke: Madison Houck (13th, 1:00.39)

Land O’ Lakes (23rd)
Events:
200-yard freestyle: Apryl Paquette, senior (eighth, 1:57.62)
Diving: Madison Burnstein, senior (20th, 199.75)
200-yard freestyle relay: Jahzara Ramsey, freshman; Abigail Hahm, freshman; Catherine Pinkos, junior; Apryl Paquette (eighth, 1:41.29)

Wiregrass Ranch (tied 24th)
Events:
50-yard freestyle: Maryam Khalil, junior (eighth, 24.48)
Diving: Abby Galo, junior (12th, 307.20)
100-yard breaststroke: Maryam Khalil (fifth, 1:06.53)

2A Boys
Cypress Creek Middle High (tied 19th, out of 48 schools)
200-yard medley freestyle: Clyde Crouse, senior (fourth, 1:42.43)
Diving: Jace Beckwith, freshman (seventh, 322.40)
500-yard freestyle: Clyde Crouse (fifth, 4:40.35)

Girls
No local schools or individual placed finishers

1A Boys
No local schools or individual placed finishers

Girls
Academy at the Lakes (18th, out of 48 schools)
50-yard freestyle: McKenna Smith, senior (third, 23.15)
100-yard freestyle: McKenna Smith (third, 50.34)

Carrollwood Day School (tied 20th)
Events:
200-yard freestyle: Adele Sands, freshman (seventh, 1:52.60)
100-yard freestyle: Adele Sands (fifth, 51.96)

Published December 09, 2020

Pasco all-star football game on tap for Dec. 17

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Fans and followers of the Pasco County prep football scene can catch some final gridiron action this December.

That’s because some of the county’s top senior high football players will experience Friday night lights for one final time, at the 2020 Pasco County East-West Classic.

The sixth annual all-star showcase is slated for Dec. 17 at 7 p.m., at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, 16351 Hays Rd., in Spring Hill.

The annual senior all-star showcase began in 2015. The East leads the all-time series 3-2, through the West won last year’s contest, 23-21. Team practices for the Dec. 17 game were scheduled to begin Nov. 30. (Courtesy of Fellowship of Christian Athletes-Pasco)

The game — organized by the Pasco County Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) — features dozens of the best senior players from 15 county high schools (13 public, two private).

The game is branded as, “the best players from every position, from every school, showcasing their talent.”

Players on the East squad will represent Cypress Creek, Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch, Zephyrhills, and Zephyrhills Christian high schools.

Players on the West squad will represent Anclote, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic, Fivay, Gulf, Hudson, Sunlake, Mitchell and River Ridge.

Cypress Creek head coach Mike Johnson will lead the East squad and Sunlake head coach Trey Burdick will lead the West. The scheduled start date for practices was Nov. 30. The East squad will practice at Sunlake High and the West squad will practice at Wesley Chapel.

To select the rosters, coaches from each county high school gather in a “war room” and draft players from every school, and every position. After much deliberation, the all-star teams get whittled down to 40 players in the East and 40 players in the West.

Mitchell garnered the most team selections with 12 picks, followed by Pasco (eight), River Ridge (seven), Wiregrass Ranch (seven) and Zephyrhills (seven), respectively.

The idea for a countywide all-star football game was spearheaded several years ago by FCA area director Bob Durham, upon the suggestion of local FCA board of directors, who pointed to the success of long-established all-star games in both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

The game has since proven to be a hit among local fans, drawing thousands of attendees each year.

The East team leads the all-time series 3-2, through the West won last year’s matchup 23-21.

For many of these players, the showcase provides a chance to perform in front of college recruiters, many of whom attend the game from across the Southeast region.

Though it may signal the last football game ever for some, other athletes are destined to play at various NCAA levels, or in the NAIA or junior college ranks.

In addition to the all-star game, players will be recognized at a dinner banquet where character awards, courage awards, GPA awards, and various skill awards will be distributed. A “Coach of the Year’” also will be named and voted on by county coaches. An all-star cheerleader team has been assembled for the showcase, too.

Tickets are $10 and will be available at the Bishop McLaughlin stadium ticket booth on gameday. Tickets also are available online at 2020PascoAllStars.eventbrite.com.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a 66-year-old ministry in public schools. In Pasco, there are chapters in every high shool in Pasco and five middle schools. Through the many student-led meetings, or “huddles” that take place on campuses, the FCA works to promote character, integrity, leadership and faith-based principles.

For more information, visit PascoAllStarGame.com, or email Bob Durham at .

Football
East All-Stars
Cypress Creek: Hunter Brinkley, Jake DiMarco, Brycen Hernandez, Gabriel Kolakoff, Collin Ostapchuk
Land O’ Lakes: Tyler Adcock, Zavion McKinon, Garrett Meredith, Issac Tavo
Pasco: Gabriel Barnes, Amir Burgess, Malcolm Gibbs, Josiah Harrison, Devin Jernigan, Jonathan Lee, Jabari Mention, Manuel Torres
Wesley Chapel: Noah Boyd, Duron Croson, Matt Helms, Owen Libby, Tyri Thomas
Wiregrass Ranch: Grady Clower, Larry Gibbs, Broden Guirl, Connor Hogan, Craig Kailimai, Adam Mihalek, Gabriel Thompson
Zephyrhills: Brian Ashmore, Mike Barber, Clayton Cornelius, Tre Gallimore, Jarrin Galyan, Dajuan McCullough, Zyre Roundtree
Zephyrhills Christian: Nick Novo, Bakari Sampson, Jonathan Zelasko

East coaches:
Head coach: Mike Johnson, Cypress Creek
Mark Barnes, Pasco
Trac Baughn, Land O’ Lakes
Nick Carroll, Zephyrhills
Tony Egan, Wesley Chapel
Mark Kantor, Wiregrass Ranch
Lane McLaughlin, Zephyrhills Christian Academy

West All-Stars
Anclote: Jedrek Cordero, Thomas Crawford, Daionta Reynolds
Bishop McLaughlin: Nick Fairweather, Malik Giles, Shane Schull
Fivay: Justin Benson, Autin Blandford, Bryant Brooks, Desean Maytum, Richard Spade
Gulf: Malachi Rohling
Hudson: Derek Aarnio, Trey Angwin, Tim Harris, Chris Keeler, Zach Lewis
Mitchell: Maguire Anderson, Evan Brennan, Ezra Brennan, Cole Castro, Elijah Hadley, Johnny Fairbank, Ronnie Fiumara, Devin Nelson, Gary Shepard, Khamari Smith, Jacob Van Schenck, Greg Washington
River Ridge: Aiden Benjamin, Connor Finer, Grant Deshazer, Robert Marzicola, Robby Rinaldi, Alex Storey, Aaron Wyman
Sunlake: Will Arnett, Julian Galdos, Harrison Moran, Darrell Stevens

West coaches:
Head coach: Trey Burdick, Sunlake
Ryan Benjamin, River Ridge
Matt Durchik, Fivay
Donald Flannery, Hudson
Dan McLeod, Gulf
Andy Schmitz, Mitchell
Antony Smith, Anclote
Ken Stills, Bishop McLaughlin

Cheerleaders
East All-Stars
Cypress Creek: Taryn Clowe, Brooke Sokolowski
Land O’ Lakes: Christina Agovino, Camryn Steele
Pasco: Alyson Partain, Emma Whited
Wesley Chapel: Tatum Hauser, Sydney Taylor
Wiregrass Ranch: Natalie Joles, Avery Warner
Zephyrhills: Madison Aguilera, Brianna Cunningham
Zephyrhills Christian: Leah Bush, Tayler Stanley

West All-Stars
Anclote: Harley Green, Summer Johnson
Bishop McLaughlin: Tania Barbre, Alexis Deese
Gulf: Amaria DeCola, Ella Frerichs
Fivay: Amaree Belser, Kaley Werner
Hudson: Ariana Perri, Ryan Sullivan
Mitchell: Jenna King, Marissa Zullo
River Ridge: Bri Marney, Lexi Smith
Sunlake: Laylah Kibler, Bella Vento

ublished 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)

COVID-19 complicates school start

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Students in Pasco and Hillsborough counties are set to begin a new school year on Aug. 24, but not all of the students will be headed to campus.

In Pasco County, students have three options for learning — amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Some students are expected to arrive at Pasco campuses on Aug. 24, while others opt for two versions of online learning. In the mySchool Online version, students are connected virtually to their assigned schools. With Pasco eSchool, they have more flexibility in the schedule and pace of learning.

In Hillsborough County, classes begin on Aug. 24, with all students beginning the school year through online learning only, until campuses open for students on Aug. 31. Like Pasco, Hillsborough is offering three learning options — face-to-face instruction and two virtual approaches.

Pasco and Hillsborough county students are set to return to school on Aug. 24, either in-person or virtually. (B.C. Manion)

Of course, there’s nearly a week before school begins, so it’s not inconceivable that these plans could change again.

As of press deadline for The Laker/Lutz News, there were two legal actions pending over whether school districts must comply with Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s Emergency Order that requires a face-to-face learning option on public school campuses.

The school year is already starting later than initially planned, with both Hillsborough and Pasco starting on Aug. 24, rather than Aug. 10.

The Hillsborough County School Board then voted to begin the district’s school year with four weeks of online-only instruction.

That decision came after a panel of medical experts advised against reopening schools until the COVID-19 positivity rate declined to about 5%.

Corcoran, however, rebuffed Hillsborough’s temporary online-only plan.

Corcoran said Hillsborough’s new plan was inconsistent with the reopening plan the district previously had submitted to the state that had been approved.

Hillsborough Superintendent Addison Davis then took a trip to Tallahassee, to seek middle ground.

That didn’t work.

After Davis returned, the district announced that “state leaders rejected two different phased-in models our district proposed that would have delayed our brick-and-mortar opening while ensuring our most vulnerable student populations were served in a face-to-face capacity.”

So, Hillsborough’s school year will begin with one week of online, with brick-and-mortar campuses opening on Aug. 31, for students choosing that option.

Meanwhile, in Pasco County, the school district plans to follow its Aug. 24 opening plan.

However, the United School Employees of Pasco has filed a lawsuit, seeking return to online learning only, until the COVID numbers come down, per the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning and the Pasco School Board have stood behind the district’s reopening plan. Not following that plan, they have said, would jeopardize state funding.

The Florida Education Association’s motion for injunctive relief from Corcoran’s Emergency Order has been scheduled for mediation Aug. 18, and if necessary, for court hearings on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20.

The decisions being made at the state and school board levels have caused parents and teachers to make a variety of personal decisions.

Ben Langston, of Long Lake Ranch in Lutz, said he and his wife, Rene, decided to enroll their children, Connor and Avery, in a private school.

The Langstons had been planning to send the children to Oakstead Elementary, but switched those plans because of the uncertainty with what will happen with public schools.

They want Connor and Avery to have an in-school experience, rather than online, because they believe it offers a superior form of learning.

Cindy Smith, an art teacher at Land O’ Lakes High School, on the other hand, has made a different decision: She’s retiring after 31 years in Pasco County Schools.

“It was very difficult. It took me months to decide it,” said Smith, who taught Art 1 through Advanced Placement.

“I didn’t feel like it was wise to go to school and expose myself to the possibilities of COVID, at my age,” Smith said.

She doesn’t think that virtual teaching is effective for secondary art classes, although she said it would be a safer option until COVID-19 cases decline.

The teacher said she’ll miss teaching and her students.

“I’m sad about it. I’m sad for my friends. I’m sad for my students. How horrifying to think any one of them could die because of one person, or a few persons’ decisions,” Smith said.

She added: “I’m concerned that parents may not be taking this seriously enough.

“I don’t think they understand the hazards and the dangers and the concerns that we, as teachers, have. We love our students, we love our jobs, but to put us in a danger, death-threatening kind of situation is unreasonable,” Smith said.

Despite the focus on COVID-19, there also are other developments associated with beginning the 2020-2021 school year, and that includes the opening of Cypress Creek Middle School.

The new school, on Old Pasco Road, will serve students in grades six through eight.

Students who have been housed in a portion of Cypress Creek High School now will be moving to Cypress Creek Middle.

Other students previously assigned to John Long Middle, will join them, providing long-needed relief from crowding at John Long Middle.

Students from Wiregrass Ranch High also have been reassigned to Cypress Creek High, but the full effect of that boundary change won’t be immediately felt because the school district grandfathered the junior and senior class at Wiregrass Ranch.

Two new public charter schools also are opening this year, in Wesley Chapel — Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel and Innovation Preparatory Academy in the Connected City area of Wesley Chapel.

Published August 19, 2020

Cypress Creek receives FHSAA sportsmanship award

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The Cypress Creek High School athletics department has made numerous strides in on-field performance since the school first opened in 2017.

But, it’s the way the school’s student-athletes, coaches and fans conduct themselves before and after athletic events that has garnered statewide attention.

Cypress Creek earned the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award for Class 4A for the 2019-2020 school year. In total, 14 high schools and two middle schools received the notable honor on June 4. (Courtesy of Cypress Creek athletics department)

Cypress Creek earned the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award for Class 4A for the 2019-2020 school year. In total, 14 high schools and two middle schools received the notable honor on June 4.

As part of the award, the Wesley Chapel-based school will receive a commemorative plaque and a $2,500 check, to go toward ongoing athletic department funding.

Cypress Creek, also known as the Coyotes, originally was nominated for the award because the school had not received any disciplinary actions or ejections among all athletes and coaches; the school also was required to submit information to the FHSAA outlining the athletic department’s overall philosophy and how it fosters good sportsmanship among all participants.

Cypress Creek athletic director Justin Pelliccia labeled the honor as “something we’re definitely very proud of” and “great publicity for Pasco County as a whole.”

“It’s definitely a huge honor for all of us, all of our coaches, all the countless hours that they’ve put in and dedication that they’ve put into their programs,” said Pelliccia, who’s served as athletic director since 2018.

“Sportsmanship is always key,” he said, noting if kids are respectful and they buy in and they are respectful to the coach and to other teams, it contributes to success.

The statewide award has been presented annually since 1991. It is named in honor of FHSAA Commissioner Emeritus Fred E. Rozelle.

This is the first time since 2014 that a school in The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area has received the distinction. Land O’ Lakes-based Rushe Middle School received the honor in 2014 and Sunlake High School received it for the 2012-2013 school year.

Cypress Creek athletic director Justin Pelliccia (Courtesy of Justin Pelliccia)

Cypress Creek principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles is elated the school received the prestigious designation.

“I am absolutely thrilled about our students, fan base, and coaches being recognized with this award,” she wrote in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

“This is truly an honor! This honor is a testament to the dedication of our coaches, community & students and their commitment to our H.O.W.L. mission, which is to Have a growth mindset, Own their education, Work as a Community, and to Lead responsibly. I am proud of our entire Coyote Nation for being honored with this award!”

When it comes to promoting good sportsmanship, the Cypress Creek athletics department takes a multi-faceted approach.

Student-athletes, for instance, are advised to keep a positive outlook on social media sites, and partake in various community service and fundraisers, such as pancake breakfasts and car washes.

In general, the school’s athletes are “very respectful” to opposing teams before and after competitions, Pelliccia said.

Also, Coyotes coaches “go above and beyond” in the name of setting a good example, Pelliccia said. As an example, he said many coaches make it a point to recognize rival schools’ student-athletes — in addition to their own —  during Senior Night ceremonies.

Moreover, the school is revered for its active spirit group — student fans who attend countless sporting events each year, both home and away.

The athletic director explained school administration outlines guidelines, ideas and expectations for appropriate student section behavior.

“I know you can go to some schools and their student sections are crazy and ruthless, so we’ve kind of taken the step to make sure that sportsmanship is their focus. We’ve had meetings with them, we go through kind of things they can use while they’re at the games, and they were great this year,” Pelliccia said.

The Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award honors schools whose athletic teams demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship during the regular season and the FHSAA State Series. The award is presented to one school in each classification whose entire sports program best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship as demonstrated by its coaches, players and spectators. (File)

Meanwhile, Cypress Creek athletics as a whole has come a long way since its inaugural year — when softball was then the only program to achieve a winning campaign.

Pelliccia acknowledged it was initially difficult for the upstart school to field competitive athletics teams. It also proved challenging for students rezoned from rival high schools — Land O’ Lakes, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch — to gel.

Pelliccia observed: “All these kids came from different schools, so getting them to be a cohesive unit in Year One was our struggle; they were still all sort of enemies at that point.”

However, as the school embarks on its fourth year in existence, triumphs have begun to show.

Besides the sportsmanship designation, the Coyotes had a banner year in terms of on-field success.

The school’s football team made its first playoff appearance; the boys soccer and girls weightlifting teams were district champions; and, boys cross-country and girls weightlifting were district runner-up, among other notable benchmarks.

“The kids are taking pride in their athletic teams, and the success is coming and definitely showing,” Pelliccia said.

The athletic director himself has picked up some individual recognition, while serving as the school’s varsity boys soccer coach. Pelliccia was named Sunshine Athletic Conference East Boys Soccer Coach of the Year, after guiding the program to an 11-6 mark and a Class 4A regional semifinals appearance this past year.

Published June 10, 2020

ICI Homes Opens New Wesley Chapel Models With 2.75% Financing

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Sometimes the most difficult of times, such as the challenges presented by COVID-19, also create unexpected opportunities.

This is true for buyers of ICI Homes in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. This premium builder has 12 inventory homes available now or in the next few months, including four cottage-style homes in its first Wesley Chapel neighborhood, Persimmon Park.

The two-story Primrose model is light and bright with lots of windows and exemplifies Florida’s casual lifestyle.

Not only does ICI Homes have a larger than usual inventory of unique one- and two-story homes, it is also selling homes in the high $200s for the first time in Tampa Bay.

“We are known as a premier, semi-custom builder, and typically build homes from the $400s to over $1 million. So to come into Wesley Chapel with moderately priced floor plans is very exciting for us, and more importantly for our customers who want our quality and craftsmanship in a smaller, more affordable home,” said Paula Spitler, Tampa sales manager for ICI Homes.

Almost as important as the quality and pricing of its homes, ICI Homes also is offering an exceptionally low interest rate of just 2.75% on 30-year mortgages, when using the builder’s preferred lenders.

“We call this our buy-down program, because a lower interest allows our buyers to increase their spending power, and more quickly build equity in their homes,” said Spitler.

“There are only a limited number of these special loans being allocated across our 20-plus communities in Florida, so please don’t wait. It’s first-come, first-served, and once these loans are gone, they’re gone,” said Spitler.

Many families are drawn to Persimmon Park because of its desirable Wesley Chapel location, and also because its students are zoned to the area’s highest rated schools — Wiregrass Elementary, Dr. John Long Middle and Wiregrass Ranch High.

“One of Persimmon Park’s biggest draws is the schools our students are zoned to attend,” said Spitler. “We have families moving from nearby subdivisions, such as Seven Oaks, that were recently rezoned to other schools. Many families want to keep their children enrolled in the schools they have traditionally attended or have been assigned to attend.”

Persimmon Park is located within the master-planned development of Wiregrass Ranch —located off Bruce B. Downs and Chancey Road, directly behind The Shops at Wiregrass and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. Wiregrass Ranch is a 5,000-acre, walkable community with trails that lead to parks, schools, entertainment, recreation and top-notch medical facilities.

Persimmon Park is Wiregrass Ranch’s newest new home community, with ICI Homes committed to building 97 homes in this unique subdivision.

“Persimmon Park gives our residents immediate access to all that Wiregrass Ranch and Wesley Chapel have to offer,” said Spitler. “Plus, our amenities are everything a family wants without going overboard — a unique T-shaped pool and cabana, outdoor grilling, interconnecting trails, and dog parks for small and large breeds.”

ICI Homes is introducing its first neo-traditional homes in Persimmon Park, featuring open floor plans with front porches, and garages at the back of the home. The first phase has 40 homes on 40-foot home sites, and ICI is premiering five new floor plans with prices beginning at $292,900.

“Light and bright with lots of windows,” is how Spitler describes these floor plans, having a cottage look and feel that are open, airy, and exemplifies Florida’s casual lifestyle.

“These homes have been designed for people wanting to simplify their life, who want less square footage to clean and maintain, yet want all the upscale finishes and details offered by ICI Homes,” said Spitler.

Two beautifully furnished model homes are available for tour at Persimmon Park. The one-story Lantana model is the craftsman elevation and, at 1,793 square feet, features three bedrooms and two baths, with an open kitchen and unique breezeway for outdoor living.

The two-story Primrose model is the coastal elevation and, at 2,434 square feet, offers the master bedroom downstairs, and a game room and three additional bedrooms upstairs.

“Families love the rear-load design because it gives the home a very nice front elevation with no garage blocking the home’s curb appeal,” said Spitler. “Plus, rear garages make for easier access to the kitchen when it’s time to unload groceries, and also creates more backyard privacy with covered breezeways and summer kitchens.”

Model homes are open daily for tour, with or without an appointment. Sales staff strictly follow COVID-19 safety protocols and always make sure families tour models by themselves, without other people in the model.

Families also can tour the homes virtually, via video, at icihomes.com.

“Our 3D virtual tours allow you to view and walk through our homes at your own pace, right from your couch,” said Spitler. “You can move from point to point for a complete 360° view to get a sense of the home’s space, finishes, floor plan and measurements. It’s truly the next best thing to being there.”

Published April 29, 2020

New year in sports offers plenty to enjoy, experience

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

Here is a sampling of what’s ahead in 2020:

Sports and recreation in East Pasco
The year 2020 may become widely known as ‘the year’ of new sports and recreational facilities in East Pasco. Three significant sporting venues are expected to open: The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, in Zephyrhills; the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex, in Wesley Chapel; and Snowcat Ridge, in Dade City.

Each offers its own unique twist.

  • The Zephyrhills tennis center will offer 11 USTA-quality tennis courts, eight pickleball courts and four padel courts, plus an indoor fitness and rehabilitation center.
  • The 100,000-square-foot Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex figures to be a national draw for basketball, volleyball and cheerleading events, and competitions.
  • Snowcat Ridge — being marketed as Florida’s first snow park — features a 60-foot-tall and 400-foot-long real snow-covered tubing hill with a magic carpet lift, an Alpine Village, and a 10,000-square-foot snow dome.

Major sporting events coming to Pasco, Tampa Bay
Pasco County and the Tampa Bay region, as a whole, are poised to host some major sporting events in the new year.

Among the most notable in Pasco: Skydive City in Zephyrhills will host the 2020 USPA (United States Parachute Association) National Parachuting and Skydiving Championships, from Oct. 30 through Nov. 24. While the event doesn’t begin until the fall, competitors will actually be training in Zephyrhills all summer long.

Zephyrhills’ Skydive City will host the 2020 National Parachuting and Skydiving Championships in the fall. (File)

Before that, Skydive City also will host the first annual Pasco Sports Fair on Feb. 16. The free, family friendly event will feature a meet-and-greet with renowned professional athletes, plus an introduction to various sport and game offerings in Zephyrhills and Pasco County, including tennis, soccer, football, basketball, skating, skydiving, boxing, mini-golf and more. Some noted pros scheduled to be in attendance include former English Premier forward Gary Blissett, former NFL defensive end Melvin Williams, former NBA shooting guard/small forward Anthony Parker, and former Tampa Bay Rowdies head coach Stuart Campbell.

Wesley Chapel’s AdventHealth Center Ice will be the venue for a slew of prominent events, including the Sunshine State Figure Skating Games (May 15 to May 17), USA Hockey Adult National Championships (April 19 to April 26), and Torhs2Hot4Ice roller derby national championships (June 28 to July 9), among others.

Meantime, Pasco and north Hillsborough residents may find some interest in these big draw events throughout the Tampa Bay region:

  • 2020 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament first and second rounds on March 19 and March 21, at Amalie Arena, Tampa
  • PGA Tour Valspar Golf Championship, March 19 to March 22, at Innisbrook Resort, Palm Harbor
  • WWE Wrestlemania 36 on April 5, at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

Saint Leo’s new sport
Saint Leo University’s new acrobatic & tumbling program will begin its inaugural season in February, which will include seven regular season matchups and three home meets.

Acrobatics & Tumbling, a discipline of USA Gymnastics, is the evolution of different forms of gymnastics and involves tumbling, tosses, and acrobatic lifts and pyramids. Teams participate in head-to-head competition and are scored in six events, including Compulsory, Acro, Pyramid, Toss, Tumbling, and Team.

Acrobatics & tumbling marks the 21st intercollegiate sport offered at Saint Leo and the school’s 12th offering in women’s sports.

The athletics department last added women’s beach volleyball to its sports offerings in 2017.

The acrobatics & tumbling team’s 18-member roster includes five athletes from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, with the remainder representing other areas of Florida, Maryland, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Virginia and North Carolina. The team is coached by Allie Williams and Joely Smith.

The Pasco-Hernando State College men’s baseball team is coming off a third-place finish at the 2019 National Junior College Athletic Association Division II College World Series. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College athletics)

These teams look to repeat success
The 2019 season — and last several years, for that matter — yielded banner campaigns for many prep and college teams in our coverage area. Here are some programs that may be worth watching to see if they maintain or build off past successes:

  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High varsity volleyball
  • Gaither High varsity football
  • Land O’ Lakes varsity girls soccer
  • Pasco-Hernando State College men’s baseball
  • Steinbrenner High varsity football
  • Steinbrenner High varsity boys cross-country
  • Saint Leo University men’s golf
  • Sunlake High varsity girls weightlifting
  • Wesley Chapel High varsity girls basketball
  • Wiregrass Ranch High varsity boys tennis

Plenty to do
There’s no shortage of recreational activities and outdoor destinations in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Here are a few options our readers may enjoy trying sometime in the new year:

  • Bike, run or walk the Upper Tampa Bay Trail or Withlacoochee State Trail
  • Hit the links at Trinity’s Fox Hollow Golf Club, Wesley Chapel’s Saddlebrook Resort & Spa, or Lutz’s TPC Tampa Bay, or one of the many other golf courses
  • Learn to ice skate at Wesley Chapel’s AdventHealth Center Ice
  • Take the family to Lutz’s Lake Park for hiking, biking, BMX racing, equestrian riding, kayaking, fishing, boating and more
  • Test your skeet shooting skills at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays in Land O’ Lakes, or Silver Dollar Shooters Club in Odessa
  • Gather your friends and coworkers and join a senior, men’s or coed softball league at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park or the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex
  • Learn to skydive, parachute and tandem jump at Zephyrhills’ Skydive City
  • Visit Dade City’s Treehoppers to try out the largest zip line aerial adventure park in Central Florida

Published January 08, 2020

Pasco all-star football game on tap for Dec. 8

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The rosters have been set.

The coaches are named.

Now, event organizers are looking to build off the success of last year’s inaugural Pasco County all-star football game.

The 2016 Pasco County East-West Classic is slated for Dec. 8 at 7 p.m., at Sunlake Field, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The second annual Pasco County East-West Classic is slated for Dec. 8 at 7p.m., at Sunlake Field. (Courtesy of Pasco Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes)
The second annual Pasco County East-West Classic is slated for Dec. 8 at 7p.m., at Sunlake Field.
(Courtesy of Pasco Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes)

A total of 80 players — all seniors— representing each of Pasco’s 15 high schools were selected in a “draft day” format last month.

Players on the East team will represent Land O’ Lakes, Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Pasco, Bishop McLaughlin and Zephyrhills Christian Academy.

Players on the West team will represent River Ridge, Ridgewood, Mitchell, Anclote, Hudson, Fivay, Gulf and Sunlake.

The game, organized by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), had a strong showing in its first year, with nearly 2,000 fans in attendance.

“Last year, being the first time, we didn’t know what to expect,” said Bob Durham, FCA area director. “It was very exciting, and all the events went well.”

The game went so well, in fact, the Pasco County school district has asked the FCA to organize all-star showcase games for other sports, such as baseball, basketball and soccer.

First up: a Pasco County all-star baseball game in May 2017.

“They want us to do a lot of different sports, and we’re honored by the offer,” Durham said. “We just said to them we’re happy to do it…and let’s just take our time and do one sport at a time.”

The idea for a countywide all-star football game was spearheaded by Durham, upon the suggestion of Pasco Area FCA board of directors, who pointed to the success of long-established all-star games in both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

Durham said high school football coaches in Pasco tried to create an all-star showcase for more than a decade, but plans never materialized, due to constant personnel changes countywide.

For various reasons, it never was executed, he said.

The game, Durham said, gives high school seniors one last chance to perform in front of college recruiters, many of whom attend the game from all across the southeast region.

“A lot of these guys are looking at Division II, or Division III schools. Some have Division I potential, but most are DII or DIII,” Durham explained. “Their season’s over, their playoffs are done, and they get one more game to showcase themselves.”

Wiregrass Ranch head coach Mark Kantor said the game is especially important for players on teams that didn’t advance to the playoffs.

“It gives kids the opportunity for another game to be put on their highlight reel,” Kantor said. “In a setting like this with other good players, it’s always good for them.”

Zephyrhills head coach Nick Carroll said the annual all-star game is “a very good thing” for Pasco County.

“We’ve started a tradition,” Carroll said. “It exposes Pasco County and the best play in it, so…we’re able to show the talent we do have, at different positions.”

Carroll added: “Hopefully we got some recruiters in town…and playing against other top talent throughout the county, it will hopefully shoot (players) up the recruiting boards for colleges.”

Meanwhile, Durham said Sunlake Field might possibly be the permanent home for future Pasco all-star football games.

“It’s such an ideal location in the middle of the county,” he said. “We’ll talk about it, and I’ll just open it up to the coaches, and have them decide it.”

Tickets for the game are $10. For information, visit PascoAllStarGame.com.

East team:
Bishop McLaughlin
Marc Herraera
Joe Mastrino
Louis Valentine
Chris Cigarran
Gilbert Estein

Land O’ Lakes
Erick Marcel
Brayden Lyman
Justin Kren
Dylan Hohenthaner
Spencer Childress
Jared Granruth

Pasco High
Aaron Leslie
Nate Hawkins
Corey Mills
Niko Mirrop

Wesley Chapel
Jacob Thomas
Christian Austin
Donovan Willingham
Ellrie Allen
Kyle Brown
Devon Singletary
Marcus Gillot

Wiregrass Ranch
Ryan Scamardo
Jason Winston
Aaron Beardsley
Chris Faddoul
Matt Welsh
Dylan Bryan
Ramon Rodriguez

Zephyrhills Christian
Mykh’ael Chavis
Hunter Barber
John Emmanuel
P.J. Seekens
Dominic Moss
Kareem Mehrab

Zephyrhills High
Jarrett Black
Kameron Howard
Brett Lemay
Antwoine Sims
Darius Causey

West team:
Anclote
Michael Cannion
Carlos Yglesia
Kyndal James
Braxton Johnson
Taino Arocho

Fivay
Cole Coyne
Brandon Young

Gulf
Kahlil Masson
Issaiah Groen
Bryce Hollenbeck

Hudson
Justin Griffin
Cyler Doran
Jaryd Johnson
Remynte Turner
Ray Pennetti
Spencer Shoun
Corey  French

Mitchell
Mason Castricone
Larry Dalla Betta
Jermane Cross
Anthony Moe
Michael Doyle
Matthew Hegwood

Ridgewood
Javon Wright
Chris Melton
Michael Bautista
Jacob Marsh
Darrin Bright

River Ridge
Trevor Hawks
Dylan Spaeth
Dalton O’Toole
Gabe Angeles
Alex Kostogiannes

Sunlake
Chris Galdos
Ryan Clark
Tyler Peretti
Justin Hall
Chris Williams
Israel Aquino
James Perez

East coaches:
Mike Frump (Land O’ Lakes)
Tony Egan (Wesley Chapel)
Nick Carroll (Zephyrhills High)
Tom McHugh (Pasco High)
Josh Ballinger (Zephyrhills Christian Academy)
Mark Kantor (Wiregrass Ranch)
Tico Hernandez (Bishop McLaughlin)

West coaches:
Matt Kingsley (Anclote)
Justin Fenton (Mitchell)
Gary Allen (River Ridge)
Jay Fulmer (Ridgewood)
John Krupp (Gulf)
Matt Smith (Sunlake)
Matt Durchik (Fivay)
Rob Mahler (Hudson)

Published November 16, 2016

 

Pasco prepping to ring in a new school year

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Teachers headed back to Pasco County Schools this week to prepare for the first day of school on Aug. 15.

Opening day is a big deal on every campus every year, but it will be especially meaningful at Wiregrass Elementary School, at 29732 Wiregrass School Road in Wesley Chapel because that school is having its “first” first day.

Technology teacher Dalton Smith and Assistant Principal Josh Borders are busy moving boxes — getting ready for the first day of classes at Centennial Middle School in Dade City. (Courtesy of Centennial Middle School)
Technology teacher Dalton Smith and Assistant Principal Josh Borders are busy moving boxes — getting ready for the first day of classes at Centennial Middle School in Dade City.
(Courtesy of Centennial Middle School)

The mood across campus during a teacher move-in day last week offered a glimpse into the significance. People were focused on getting things ready — but there was an obvious excitement, too.

Like many schools, Wiregrass been counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds until school starts.

This label is above the ticking clock on its website: “Countdown until Wiregrass Elementary changes the world forever.”

The opening of Wiregrass Elementary, of course, caused a shifting of school boundaries. That means some Wesley Chapel children will be experiencing their first day of school this year at at Denham Oaks Elementary, at 1422 Oak Grove Blvd., in Lutz.

The 2016-2017 school year also marks the beginning of a new S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Magnet program at Centennial Middle School at 38505 Centennial Road in Dade City.

The school will be using the Learning Active Technology Infused Classroom model, said Principal Rick Saylor. That instructional approach centers around rigor, student engagement and student responsibility.

Centennial Middle also has been equipped with new technology, offering new opportunities for students. For instance, it now has flight simulators that it will be using in its technology education class.

And now, because it’s a magnet school, it will be drawing students from outside its traditional boundaries, as well.

Pasco Elementary School, at 37350 Florida Ave., in Dade City, will be adding 50 minutes of daily instructional time for students in grades four and five, to comply with a state requirement.

In a July 18 letter posted in English and Spanish on the school’s website, Principal Nena Green tells parents: “We see this as a great opportunity for us to provide students with the additional support that they need to be successful.”

As a result of the additional instructional time, the school day for Pasco Elementary students in grades four and five will be from 8:40 a.m. to 3:40 p.m., while student in prekindergarten through third grade will remain on the school’s 8:40 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., schedule.

Students stream out of the portable classrooms at Wiregrass Ranch High School during a class change last school year. The school will again have a 10-period day, to relieve crowding on campus by staggering the time that students arrive and leave the campus. (Fred Bellet/Photo)
Students stream out of the portable classrooms at Wiregrass Ranch High School during a class change last school year. The school will again have a 10-period day, to relieve crowding on campus by staggering the time that students arrive and leave the campus.
(Fred Bellet/Photo)

This will be a special year at Rodney B. Cox Elementary, at 37615 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in Dade City, as the school celebrates its 90th anniversary — with festivities planned throughout the year.

While some schools are launching new initiatives, others are continuing on paths they began last year.

For instance, Wiregrass Ranch High, at 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will stick with a 10-period school day for the 2016-2017 school year. Next year, a new high school, now being built on Old Pasco Road, will open to relieve overcrowding.

By having a 10-period day, the school can provide a less crowded campus for most of the school day, according to Principal Robyn White

There will be some changes, though, White said. For instance, it will go back to having pep rallies during the day, instead of after school, because it found it had a higher participation rate.

It also has changed its schedule to close down one of its buildings later in the day because it found that most of the discipline issues it dealt with last year happened in that building later in the day, when there were fewer classes there.

“Typically, during passing, the teachers are standing outside the door,” White explained.  When there are just a couple of classes in a building, there are fewer teachers to supervise the area, she explained.

The school will be keeping the fifth lunch period it added last year because it helped make the lunch periods more manageable, White added.

At Pine View Middle, 5334 Parkway Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, the school will be entering its second year as an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Candidate School. The program aims to expand learning opportunities for all children, and to broaden connections by providing instruction that’s deeper and wider.

Some schools will stick with tried-and-true traditions.

Wesley Chapel Elementary School, at 30243 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel, for example, will have its annual Boohoo Breakfast.

“Whether you are saddened or excited, we would love to see you in the cafeteria on the first day of school, beginning at 9:30 a.m.” the school’s website proclaims, referring to  the breakfast.

When children arrive on campus at Wesley Chapel Elementary, they’ll be greeted by Stan Mykita, the school’s new principal.

Parents who want to know more about their child’s school, how to get involved, how to help their child and details about such things as bus stops, school lunch prices and supplies, can find much of the information they need on their individual school’s website. Some information is also available on the district’s website, at Pasco.k12.fl.us.

Registration requirements
Students entering a Florida school for the first time at any grade level, will be asked to present the following items upon registration:

  • Current immunization records (vaccination requirements vary by grade level)
  • Proof of a physical examination dated and signed by a licensed health professional within the last 12 months
  • Proof of age, through a birth certificate or other acceptable documents
  • Social Security number, if one is available.
  • Proof of Florida residency, such as water, gas, electric or other utility bill; a properly executed lease agreement; or some other evidence
  • Copy of the student’s last report card, if applicable
  • Legal guardianship records, if applicable

Students entering kindergarten for the first time must be 5 years old before Sept. 1. Pre-kindergarten and Head Start/Early Start programs are available to students who are younger.

Help for parents
Useful information often can be found on the websites maintained by Pasco County Schools and Hillsborough County Schools. Local schools also often provide practical tips to help parents help their children succeed in school.

For instance, Connerton Elementary School, in Land O’ Lakes, offered these pointers for parents to help foster school success:

  • Ensure that your child is at school on time each day.
  • Attend parent/teacher conferences and school events.
  • Monitor your child’s homework daily.
  • Expect and support positive behavior at school.
  • Read with your child or encourage your child to read daily.

 

Getting ready for Day 1

  • Before doing your back-to-school shopping, check your school’s website to find out out what supplies are needed.
  • Also, check the website to find out what time school begins and ends, the code of conduct and dress code for the school, and applications for free or reduced-price lunch.
  • Information also is available through individual and district websites regarding child care, the school year calendar and transportation.

Published August 10, 2016