Local Sports

No rest for the wicket

July 5, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Like many recreational sport leagues, they just needed a place to play.

Unlike many recreational sport leagues, the demand unexpectedly bowled its way right onto the pitch.

The Tampa Falcons pick up a hit in a match against Tampa Shaheen during a weekend match at their pitch, located at Wesley Chapel District Park. The two teams are part of the Tampa Premier League, a cricket organization that hosts several matches and series throughout the year. (Mike Camunas)

“I was playing American College Cricket with USF’s (the University of South Florida’s cricket) Club Team, and we won two championships,” Wesley Chapel resident Nagesh Nayak said.

“When I graduated from USF, there was nowhere I could still play. When I was looking for a place to play, I drove by the empty land on Wesley Chapel District Park and proposed (playing there) to the county — (Parks and Recreation Manager) Brian Taylor and (Pasco County Commissioner) Mike Moore — and they said if you want to play, go ahead.

“So we built a pitch, and then (cricket), all of sudden, was in high demand. People kept coming out and it just kept spreading, so more people wanted in.

“It was like a gradual cult,” he said.

Back in 2016, after Nayak built the pitch at the district park, he started Tampa Premier League, which has cricket teams mostly locally, including places such as Wesley Chapel, Tampa and several near USF, but also as far as St. Petersburg.

Tampa Avengers bowler Gaurav Samant goes sideways with his delivery over the pitch to the St. Pete Shields during a cricket match at Wesley Chapel District Park.

Initially, there were eight teams.

But demand was so high, more teams were added. The league now has 21 teams.

“I don’t always remember names, but I remember faces,” Nayak said. “I think that everyone remembers everyone else out here. So, they just keep telling more and more people about where they can play cricket.

“Free agents are a big thing with us (at this league), especially someone moving to the area, who might not know anymore,” he said. “So, through the Facebook page and social media and messaging, we help get him on a team in the right area or one that might need him.”

Tampa Premier League founder and manager Nagesh Nayak

Nayak says about 80% of the league is USF students, however, there are several teams that come from varying workplaces that have formed a team. For instance, one team is made up of Citibank employees; another, of pediatricians and doctors from New Tampa.

The league hosts six games to 10 games per weekend, and each team is guaranteed per season, or series.

Each series can have a different champion, such as Nayak’s team, the Wesley Chapel Legends, which won the Titan Cup V T20 series in November. Another team — the Tampa Avengers — is looking to defend its Tampa Bay Summer 2021 Super 16 Bash by winning this summer’s Wesley Chapel Summer Blazing 16 series.

The Avengers are off to a good start, defeating the St. Pete Shields on June 18 at the district park.

Cricket is the main sport for India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, said Gaurav Samant, an Avengers all-arounder. He bowls (pitches), bats and plays the field.

“Each of those (countries) has some guys out here because it’s something we all share the love of to play. It’s incredible that so many of us love cricket this much.

“And also still great competition.”

Samant is a great bowler, but admits that “everyone wants to bat — everyone.”

“Bowling — people do it, but batting is what everyone looks at — (it’s) where you can entertain the audience,” he said.

Through all the entertainment, the real reason is obvious why all these players brave the heat and play matches throughout the year.

“This is for the love of the game,” Avengers’ coach Balaramraju Kalidindi said. “This is like a hangout for us. It’s pretty serious, but we still enjoy the game. It’s fun hanging out with friends.

“Cricket is one thing that brings us together.”

Tampa Premier League
Info: A cricket league that plays its games at Wesley Chapel District Park on the weekends. The league has varying series all year long and teams are consistently being added. To learn more about the league, visit tampa-cricket.com/TampaCricket.

The Basics of Cricket
During normal cricket play, 13 players and two umpires are on the field. Two of the players are batters and the rest are 11 members of the fielding team. The other nine players in the batting team are off the field in the pavilion.

The bowler, or pitcher, intends to hit the wicket (a set of three wooden stumps and two bails) at the end of the pitch — a 22-yard center part of the field — with the ball or, at least, to prevent the striker, or batter, from scoring runs. The striker, by using his bat, looks to defend his wicket and, if possible, hit the ball away from the pitch in order to score runs. Once the ball is put into play, the striker and the other batter, or non-striker, attempt to score runs by swapping places on the pitch. The fielding team then tries to prevent run scoring by “dismissing” the batters, so they are “out” and are said to have “lost their wicket.”

Means of dismissal include being bowled, when the bowled ball hits the stumps and dislodges the bails, and by the fielding side either catching a hit ball before it touches the ground, or hitting a wicket with the ball before a batter can cross the crease line in front of the wicket to complete a run.

Published July 06, 2022

Tampa Avengers fine leg fielder Saurav Sharma makes a catch of a cricket ball during a match at Wesley Chapel District Park, securing an out.

St. Pete Shields’ Mohammad Raz connects with his cricket bat during a match hosted by Tampa Premier League at Wesley Chapel District Park.

Tampa Avengers bowler Aneel Mohammad delivers a ball over the pitch during a match at Wesley Chapel District Park.

It’s all in the bag

June 28, 2022 By Mike Camunas

As long as the bags are flying, this league will continue to grow.

Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League founder Jarrett Scheer. (Mike Camunas)

Because for Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League, it’s all about giving players in Central Pasco a place to play.

“I mean, we only started about six months ago,” league founder and manager Jarrett Scheer, a Wesley Chapel resident, said. “We started with 32 players and now we have more than 60 at a tournament. Weekend tournaments do better, obviously, but the weekday tournaments — people are looking for something to do and go out — and those have great turnouts, as well.”

One very popular feature for this cornhole league is that it’s indoors. Given the heat and the rain, players are liking the competition that doesn’t have them in their backyards, sweating and being attacked by bugs.

“People don’t like the elements to affect their throws, so it’s nice and climate-controlled. The better players like it inside because that’s where they play the really big tournaments: inside,” Scheer added.

Scheer and fellow organizer, Jack Piety, host a weekly tournament, where players can win monetary prizes. Every Wednesday, the league sets up at Double Branch Brewing and Bites, at the Grove at Wesley Chapel. Scheer recognized the need for a cornhole league or group because he was tired of traveling a long way just to play.

“Honestly, (I just had to) get (the) name out there — you go and play tournaments, and you just get going with word of mouth and starting a Facebook group … because there was nothing in the Wesley Chapel or Land O’ Lakes area,” Scheer said. “Driving an hour or so to play a cornhole tournament wasn’t always the most fun thing to do.

Mike Forsythe, of Lutz, left, and Scott Lofmark go head-to-head in a cornhole match, one hosted by the newly-formed Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League based out of Wesley Chapel.

“Double Branch is just a big space, and with the area there at the Grove at Wesley Chapel, (it) is just booming right now. … And so we get all walks of life that come and play. I even have an 11-year-old kid that comes and beats everyone — he’s pretty good. There are even a few 70-80-year-old players, too. Men, women, children, all skill levels — they just show up and play.”

Scheer welcomes all kinds of competition, to those just looking for fun or those who really are out for competitive play. However, to combat ringers coming in and running a tournament, especially as a two-person team, the tournaments will be Switcholio format.

This is a blind-draw, round-robin tournament, in which players get a new partner for every game and ranked on an individual basis. The organizer can use the leaderboard to recognize and reward top finishers, or seed them into a single elimination playoff.

More so, the league uses the Scoreholio app and site, which allows for live-time scoring. Players can view the leaderboard on a monitor Scheer sets up, as well as on their phones.

Bags lie in wait to be tossed during a Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League event, at The Groves Golf and Country Club clubhouse in Land O’ Lakes. The league hosts several tournaments monthly, with monetary payouts to the winners and attendance growing with each outing.

That app has helped garner more players for the league.

“I’ve been playing a long time and just found people on there who told me about (this league),” said Brian Robinson, a Brandon resident who traveled to Land O’ Lakes to play in a tournament. “I just play to have some fun, maybe win some money, but this was a bunch of good people — good vibes,” said Robinson.

“I found it on Facebook,” said Howard Smith, a Lakeland resident who entered a tournament because he was staying with his girlfriend in nearby Lutz. “The tournaments are real cool and a great way to win some money. I like the competition — it’s different than just playing around in your backyard.”

“And,” Robinson added, “it’s gone from 30 to 60 people, so it’s definitely popular, definitely something people are looking for here. But hey, the more people, the better the payout (laughs).”

The league is getting players from all over, too. As far as Sarasota and Sebring, to name a few. Which Scheer is all on board for.

“So, I get people from all over the place and they’re like, ‘Oh, wow. I really like this place (Double Branch).’ So they come back or they even go to the other places at the Grove — it helps all the places in Wesley Chapel,” he said. “I hope we just keep getting bigger because I want to bring business to businesses that don’t usually get as much business.

“Just by playing a little cornhole.”

Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League
Details: A league based out of Wesley Chapel, open to all ages. There are occasional tournaments on the weekends, but the league plays every Wednesday at Double Branch Brewing and Bites, at the Grove at Wesley Chapel. Tournament winners are awarded monetary prizes, paid for by fees to compete.
Info: Visit the league’s Facebook Group, at Facebook.com/groups/4369806859780455.

Published June 29, 2022

Kristin Allen, of Auburndale, lets a bag fly during a Switchholio tournament hosted by Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League.

Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League players can view live scoring on the Scoreholio app, which is helpful during tournaments, to see who they are playing next or how well they are doing.

Tyler Schenfield, left, and Matt Parker compete during a Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League tournament, at The Groves Golf and Country Club clubhouse in Land O’ Lakes.

Shane Kneep, of Sarasota, is all smiles before he tosses during a Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League tournament.

Mike Smith, of Ellenton, whispers to his bags to fly true as he competes in a match hosted by Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League tournament.

Richard Fernandez, of Land O’ Lakes, left, and Gary Montemurro compete during a Chapel’s Baggers Cornhole League tournament, at The Groves Golf and Country Club clubhouse in Land O’ Lakes.

The strength of a mother

June 21, 2022 By Mike Camunas

If there’s anyone who knows what it’s like to exercise as a mother, and also while pregnant, it’s going to be Land O’ Lakes trainer Barb Ladimir.

She does, after all, have five kids.

“When you’re carrying a person, literally pushing on your abdomen, moving your pelvis, that’s going to put a strain on the back,” she said. “That’s why the program has you do it right, either during the whole nine months of the pregnancy or especially after the birth.”

Local trainer Barb Ladimir works with clients during a session of her Fitness 320 boot camps she hosts at varying locations in Land O’ Lakes. Ladimir, a mother of five, works with many women to help them get back into shape after giving birth. (Mike Camunas)

That’s why her fitness program, Fitness320, has different focuses to tackle certain types of aspects women will need, and eventually want, to get and remain healthy.

For starters, Ladimir hosts boot camps — group fitness classes for women.

The locations are in Pasco, but also are available in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

The boot camps provide a safe space for women — usually mothers looking to get back in shape — that are not a gym atmosphere and provide more one-on-one training expertise.

“When you get to a group fitness class, you’re going to see like 95% women,” Ladimir said. “Husbands sometimes show up to work out, but we don’t just have random men show up. Which is fine, because women love group fitness, and this is for women and moms who lead busy lives and to do it with a community of friends.”

As a mother, Ladimir knows that not everyone should jump right back into a boot camp, especially soon after childbirth. That’s why she also is a Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, and certified to work with pregnant women and recent moms. That prompted her to create her Strong as a Mother program that integrates some aspects into the boot camps, but goes beyond those to target women’s cores. This is to make sure that after nine months, more damage isn’t done to the abdomen and core.

“Will I get you back to CrossFit or to running a marathon? Yes, of course,” Ladimir said. “But you can’t go from childbirth to six weeks later trying to lift too much weight or running 13 miles. Nor should you. (The) Strong as a Mother program should be given to women as like a fourth trimester.

Trainer Barb Ladimir works with Land O’ Lakes resident Cynthia Soto during a boot camp session as Kristin Sicuranza, of Trinity, right, puts in the work. Ladimir’s boot camps, which are part of her Fitness 320 program, are geared toward women and moms who lead busy lives, but are looking to get healthy and stronger with a community of friends.

“Most of the women coming to my classes, they may not be brand new moms, but they are moms, they’ve had kids and, most likely, they didn’t take care of their bodies afterward. That’s why the fitness program ensures they don’t get hurt, but still build strength in a progressive way.”

Jenny Hassenfelt, a 50-year-old mom of six, said these programs helped her get in shape, not only the right way, but in the best way.

“(Strong as a Mother and the bootcamps) really emphasize form and technique,” Hassenfelt said. “This really breaks it down and you’re really learning correctly how to work the right muscles and to stretch out any problem areas.

“My abs were pretty much shot from six kids — I never thought I would get them back or they wouldn’t stay flat. But these programs taught me how to breath and hold the core. I tend to slouch a lot, so she yells at me for that, but my stomach is a lot flatter than I ever thought it would be after six kids. I’ve done a lot of other programs and never, ever saw the results that I have seen with her.”

Hassenfelt knows being a new mother can come with the desire to get back to being and feeling healthier. And, she said, that also can be a tough road.

“I think (the boot camps are a) great place to start,” she added. “And Strong as a Mother, for people who have injuries, that’s a really good place for them to start. Boot camp gets them back into the right program, while Strong as a Mother teaches basics slowly, so they don’t get injured again,” she said.

At the boot camps, Ladimir isn’t there to be drill sergeant or a cheerleader. She’s there to be a teacher, teaching women the proper way to get back in shape and to be strong mothers.

“With Fitness320, that’s not a fitness reference, but the Bible verse (Ephesians 3:20) that says, ‘He is able to do immeasurably more than anything we can ask or imagine according to the power that is within us,’” Ladimir said. “The programs show you how you have more power within, and it’s my job, as a coach, to bring that out in these women.

“If I can empower these women with fitness, then I’ve done my job.”

Fitness320
Details: A total encompassing workout program that can include Intentional 21 dietary programming that reduces inflammation; boot camp works out, in-person and via Zoom; and Strong as a Mother: a core-specific strengthening program for new mothers.
Info: Visit fitness320.com.

Published June 22, 2022

Hockey club hosts 22 hours of play

June 21, 2022 By Mike Camunas

It was nonstop hockey and nonstop fun, all for a great cause.

The Tampa Warriors Hockey Club (TWHC) hosted its Hockey Heals 22 event at AdventHealth Center Ice beginning on June 10 and concluding on June 11.

Tampa Warriors Hockey Club poses with the Bloomingdale High School Ice Bulls following a game during the Hockey Heals 22 event at AdventHealth Center Ice, beginning on June 10 and concluding June 11. The event featured 22 hours of continuous hockey play to raise awareness and provide support to veteran suicide prevention, and raised about $15,000. (Courtesy of Chris Scangarello)

The event entailed 22 hours of continuous hockey play to raise awareness and provide support to veteran suicide prevention.

The 22 hours of play was chosen deliberately to draw attention to the fact that since 2009, the average daily number of veteran suicides has stood at 22.

It is estimated the event raised about $15,000, more than $4,000 above last year’s inaugural event.

“It went fantastic — we’re just absolutely thrilled with how it went this year,” said Chris Scangarello, TWHC’s executive director.

“We had exponentially more media coverage, which helped get the word out … and we even made it on the Jumbotron for Game 6 (of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on Saturday night).”

The event kicked off with a “grand” opening ceremony that Scangarello said “had the stands pretty packed.”

He acknowledged that the crowd did shrink in size during the early morning hours, but added there were still “plenty of loved ones out there supporting those playing hockey at 3 a.m.”

From left to right: Delio Cevera, Lora Lopez, Chris Scangarello and Erik Hautly present a $2,500 check to StopSoldierSuicide.org, during the Hockey Heals 22 event at AdventHealth Center Ice beginning on June 10 and concluding on June 11.

“The turnout was definitely fantastic,” he said.

TWHC has already donated some of the monies raised, including $2,500 to StopSoldierSuicide.org, and a couple of $500 and $300 scholarships to local students, who are dependents of servicemen and plan on working with veterans through social programs.

Scangarello said an event like this is important, not just because it raises money to help others, but also because it draws attention to the issue of veteran suicide.

The prevailing theory, Scangarello said, is that soldiers and veterans are meant to be strong, not show weakness. However, organizations, and even teams like TWHC, want to help change that perception and to support the notion that it’s OK to ask for help.

“We want to reduce that number from 22 a day. We want veterans to know they have a support network — to end that false stigma that (someone in the military) can’t be weak and can reach out for help,” he said.

He said he also hopes to attract more local charities and nonprofits that are dedicated to veterans and suicide prevention to get involved in next year’s Hockey Heals 22.

For more information on or how to donate to TWHC, visit TampaWarriors.com.

If you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-273-8255.

Published June 22, 2022

AdventHealth Center Ice attracts skaters, far and wide

June 14, 2022 By Mike Camunas

There have been some fast times around this hockey rink.

AdventHealth Center Ice has attracted attention and tourists, ever since it opened on Jan. 25, 2017.

The facility, at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, is the largest ice rink in the Southeast. As such, it has become a popular place for tournaments and special events.

It hosted the 2022 Isobel Cup Playoffs in March, marking the first time that the women’s hockey league played its championship game outside of its franchise markets.

Gordie Zimmermann is the owner and chief executive officer of AdventHealth Center Ice, the largest ice sports training facility in the Southeast. (Fred Bellet)

It was the site of the 2021 National Hockey League Prospect Showcase, an event where the next generation of professional hockey players skated into Pasco County showing puck fans and pro scouts their skills in shot-making, blocking, toughness and teamwork.

Also, in January 2021, it hosted Hub City. This was United States Premier Hockey League’s answer to a self-contained, six-week, safe hockey environment — allowing about 900 players to play hockey at Center Ice, while staying at nearby Saddlebrook Resort.

In another high-profile event, it was the training facility used by the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team, before it captured a gold medal at the 2018 Olympics.

Center Ice also hosted the 2017 Four Nations Cup.

So much has happened at the facility that Florida Sports Coast, the sports tourism entity for Pasco County, awarded Center Ice the Attraction of the Year Award in May.

The arena has racked up other awards, too, and was recognized by the Pasco County Commission in a resolution detailing its many accomplishments and its economic impact on the area.

AdventHealth Center Ice, at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, opened its doors in 2017. At 150,000 square feet, Center Ice is the largest ice rink in the Southeast, has five rinks, a fitness center, a sports-themed restaurant, and a pro shop. (Mike Camunas)

Data reveals that tourism had an economic impact of $721 million in Pasco County, in 2021, with a good chunk of that credited to Center Ice.

While it is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, the ice center’s story began before that, according to Gordie Zimmermann, the facility’s owner managing partner.

The architect began working on it in 2014 and ground was broken for the facility in 2015, Zimmerman said.

“It took a year and two months to build this place, and once it got going, it’s been nonstop,” Zimmerman said.

“It was a complicated project, and involved much patience and perseverance,” Zimmermann told The Laker/Lutz News, in an interview at the time.

The $28 million, 150,000-square-foot venue includes five rinks, a fitness center, a sports-themed restaurant, and a pro shop.

Center Ice hosts a hockey game, league or event nearly every week or weekend. Zimmerman says youth and adults leagues, as well as the travel teams, are all at capacity. Also, the Learning To Skate Program, which “provides the FUNdamentals for recreational or competitive figure skating and ice hockey” is breaking records, in terms of participation.

Beyond hockey and figure skating, Center Ice is a community gem that allows for fun activities, such as public skating, the Women’s Sports Herstory Museum and even birthday parties that can include a black-light skate.

“Right from the get-go, on the first week, AdventHealth had its Christmas Party — they waited till we were open to have it — and we’re talking about 1,500 people,” Zimmermann said.

It also continues to attract big events and tournaments.

“We have the largest business impact in Pasco County,” Zimmermann said. “Certainly when you look at things like the hotels around us and now the mall, as we just have buses of players and coaches and families coming in all the time.”

Next up, Center Ice hosting the 2022 Sunshine Cup, an elite youth hockey tournament, which will be held July 19 to July 24 for both boys and girls teams.

“I think that the (Tampa Bay) Lightning and (Florida) Panthers have a lot to do with the growth of youth hockey in Florida, which is a big business — so we just try to do things better and be the best facility we can be,” Zimmermann said. “We’re enhancing everything, and that’s from branding, to the sponsors we get, to the charities we work with. Every year gets better and better, and it’s not just hockey.”

This includes things such as a big Fourth of July Concert to be held on one of the rinks, as well as U.S. Figure Skating’s 2022 National Showcase. The Center’s figure skating club, Champions Edge, will host about 1,000 skaters from Aug. 1 to Aug. 6, with each performing their own choreographed routine.

“That’s a lot of skaters skating here over five days,” he added.

The constant activity suits him just fine.

“It’s been a lot of fun from Day 1 — that’s all I can say about the five years here,” Zimmermann said.

AdventHealth Center Ice
Where: 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel
When: Open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Info: Visit AHCenterIce.com or flsportscoast.com/meetings-listing/advent-health-center-ice.

Published June 15, 2022

A hearty comeback

June 7, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Zephyrhills resident JohnE McCray has won on the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) Tour 13 times, including the 2016 Masters and 2018 U.S. Masters, both major wins, similar to professional golf. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

JohnE McCray was dead for 4 minutes.

This Zephyrhills resident and professional disc golf champion was out on the course on Feb. 5, even doing well at the Barnett Park Championships, in Orlando, but was in pain.

“I was warming up and just got this intense pain in my left arm,” the 50-year-old said. “Which I thought was weird because I throw with my right arm. … Through 10 holes, a local player came up to me and said,‘You’re already winning,’ and I was like, ‘Well, I feel like I’m dying!’”

McCray wasn’t too far off. The pain kept getting worse and after 11 holes, he sought out a doctor player in the group ahead of him. The doctor took one look at him and called an ambulance. Less than an hour later, he was at hospital and those attending him were getting a crash cart. He needed surgery right away and the medical staff told his wife, Jennifer McCray, this is your last chance to speak with him before surgery to put in three stents.

“The last thing I told him was, ‘You better fight. It’s time to fight,’” said his wife, who is also his disc golf caddie. “There I am, by myself, waiting for him at the hospital, not knowing if he could die. It was very traumatic.

“The whole (incident) was definitely on God’s timing.The doctor on the course, as well as a registered nurse, to get an ambulance there, with me running red lights following it — it all could’ve all gone differently.”

JohnE also had an automated internal cardiac defibrillator (AICD) inserted into his upper left chest. The state-of-the-art device is essentially a pacemaker with the ability to recognize abnormally fast cardiac rhythm and provide an immediate shock treatment. Once installed, JohnE was restricted in what he could do, as the device needed to set for 90 days.

He has been medically cleared to resume disc golf activities, which include throwing and building up his endurance through evening walks.

“I definitely feel better than I did months ago,” JohnE said recently. “Getting stronger and stronger every day, and working on getting back on the course.”

It definitely won’t be much longer before JohnE’s back out there. He’s already set to play in early July, as he trains on equipment from his sponsors in his backyard.

“(This is) absolutely a comeback. My husband is a fighter,” Jennifer said. “We’re a disc golf family, and his fans are always asking for updates and very supportive. I want him back (on the course). It’s his passion, it’s our passion, and I’m not sure what we’d do without disc golf.”

This wasn’t even the first time JohnE almost died.

**JohnE McCray has several baskets, or disc golf holes, in his backyard, including a few from his main sponsor, Latitude 64, a massive disc golf store based in Sweden. (MIKE CAMUNAS)**

He used to lay ceramic tile for a living, playing disc golf on the side. But about eight years ago, he contracted Lyme Disease, which burst into his blood stream and nearly killed him.

“I was in the hospital for two weeks,” he recalled.“I was in there longer for Lyme than I was for a heart attack!”

Not much later, JohnE went on the Professional Disc Golf Association Tour (PDGA) full time. In fact, he, Jennifer, their daughter and four cats decided to travel on tour, jumping in a RV and going from event to event. That’s when his play caught the eye of his major sponsor, Latitude 64, a disc golf manufacturer and store based out of Sweden.

“That was an amazing time,” Jennifer said.“ We met on the disc golf course, so I’ve always played, too, but just traveling around from course to course was amazing.”

JohnE picked up disc golf when he was a soccer player attending Saint Leo University, during the mid-1990s.

He’s had incredible success on the PDGA, where he’s won 13 times, including two majors, his first in 2016 and another, a Masters title, in 2018.

In fact, he kicked off this season in January by winning the 2021 Florida Disc Golf Championship, which was held at the course on Picnic Island Park in South Tampa. JohnE shot a course record 15 under, with a prize of $345.

So after months of being basically immobile and feeling weak, JohnE is ready for his prizefighter- style comeback.

“Definitely got some big plans (to get back on tour),” he added. “When (the heart attack happened), it was Saturday afternoon, and I woke up on Monday, but thought it was still Saturday. I’m like,‘Am I still going to be able to play tomorrow?’ and Jen was like, ‘Um, I don’t think so!’

“So, yeah, I’m really ready to get back out there on the course.”

Professional Disc Golf Association

**Golf discs and a basket. (MIKE CAMUNAS)**

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) is the governing body of professional disc golfers. Disc golf is played much like golf, though players use a flying disc instead of clubs or a ball. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and, like golf, players complete each hole in the fewest strokes or, in this case, throws. A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target, which is the “hole,” i.e., an elevated metal basket. Players must make consecutive throws from the spot where the previous throw landed. Once the “putt” lands in the bas- ket, the hole is completed.

INFO: Visit PDGA.com, and to learn more about JohnE McCray, visit JohnEMcCrayTour.com/johne or his Facebook page at Facebook.com/johnemccraytour.

To join the group to follow along on JohnE’s heart health and professional comeback, visit Facebook.com/groups/5001282929963039.

Published on June 8, 2022.

Cypress Creek relishing its best season ever

May 31, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Cypress Creek High’s baseball team just finished 16-8, with the season ending in a state tournament second-round loss, but marks the furthest the Coyotes have ever advanced in the postseason. (Courtesy of Joe Neale).

The Cypress Creek High baseball team just completed its best season in the program’s brief history, being one of three Pasco County teams that advanced to the second round of the State Tournament.

Joining Mitchell and River Ridge, the Coyotes (16-8) narrowly lost in the Class 5A region semifinals to Eau Gallie 5-4 on May 12 and capped their most impressive season despite not winning a district title.

“There’s no real secret recipe except having the right mindset,” said coach Joe Neale, the program’s only coach. “I think the guys just put their heads down and worked harder than anyone else, and it paid off.”

Leading the way for Cypress Creek was third baseman Ethan Petry, who batted .479 on 34 hits with 18 RBI, nine doubles, two triples and a team-high six homers. Petry also stepped up on the mound this season, going 5-2 with a 1.97 ERA and a team-high 60 strikeouts. While the senior is committed to the University of South Carolina, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-hander has risen up the draft prospect charts as a two-way player.

“We’re definitely proud of what we accomplished, not just from a winning standpoint,” Neale said, “but with the guys we have and who they’ve become and are going to become. We’ve got three guys playing at the next level, a few more joining the military, and another who wants to work with youth players at the Little League level. That makes coaching even more satisfying.”

Also bound for collegiate ball is Caden Kwiat, who is headed to East Georgia State College as a pitcher. On the mound, Kwiat went 4-3 with a 1.71 ERA and 49 strikeouts. Catcher Nick Sanchez is headed to Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina after batting .306 with 22 hits, 14 RBI, two doubles and two triples.

Despite not winning the district title, Neale was thrilled for the team to get its first state tournament win, especially after losing a big group of players in 2021 that had left many questions about its prospects.

“I think a lot of people thought we’d take a step back, but we responded well and had the kind of season we thought we could have after a 20-win season (last year),” Neale said. “Looking back at the stats and seeing that we had five one-run games and four extra-inning games just shows our fortitude and how we composed ourselves all season. I’m excited to see where we go from here.”

Published on June 1, 2022.

Bulldog blazes to track state title

May 24, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Maguire Neal got over one extra hurdle, to reach the top of the podium.

Zephyrhills High’s Maguire Neal took home the gold for the Class 3A 300-meter hurdles on May 13, giving him the first state title for that event in school history. Neal, who is committed to play football and run track for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, won the event with a time of 37.31 seconds. (Mike Camunas)

That hurdle was a disappointing performance in the 110-meter hurdles. Had the Zephyrhills High senior track star done better, he’s not sure he would have had the drive to become the first Zephyrhills High athlete to bring home the 300-meter hurdles state title.

“When I did the 110, I didn’t do so hot,” the senior sprinter explained.

“(Doing poorly on the 110) pushed me harder to do better in the 300. I knew I’d have to go hard.

“I was nervous in the blocks, but once I was out of those, everything was smooth.”

“Honestly, it was a blessing in disguise — that he didn’t do so well in the 110 hurdles,” said Bryan Thomas, Neal’s coach. “I feel he would’ve been more complacent if he had been able to get on the podium.

“So not taking that podium (for the 110), he went out and ran the 300 with that edge that really helped. I’d never seen him attack the hurdles that way.”

Neal competed in four events at the Class 3A track and field state championships on May 13, at the Florida-Percy Beard Track Stadium at the University of Florida, in Gainesville.

In addition to the 110- and 300-meter hurdles, he also ran in the 100-meter and the 4×100-meter relay.

It was finishing 10th in the 110 hurdles that proved to be the extra motivation.

“I’d been running the 300 hurdles since freshman year,” Neal said. “I was thinking, yeah, by senior year I should be close to or getting a state championship.”

He credits his sister, Maya, for helping him to become a better hurdler.

Indeed, Maya, was a track star at Zephyrhills, finishing in the Top 5, when she was a senior.

“Maya was great for us here at Zephyrhills, but she was like, ‘My brother is better,’” Thomas recalled. “She used to show me videos of him and say, ‘He’s going to come here and run — he’s at Centennial Middle!’ … Just seeing him develop over the years, I knew he was going to be something special. Seeing him become a state champ was just icing on the cake for him.

“It has been a blessing to coach this kid,” the coach added.

Thomas is no stranger to the track and field state championships. After winning the long jump state title in 2006 (and playing college football for the University of Florida and North Alabama), he returned to his alma mater as an assistant football coach in 2016.

Neal is the second state champ that Thomas has coached. The first was Cartrell Strong, who won the triple jump state title in 2019.

Thomas acknowledged that not only does running track run in the Neal family, but that the family support system was key for Maguire.

“As a coach, you wish every athlete had that,” Thomas said. “They’re at every event, they ask if they can help out the team with tents and water — they’re unbelievable. A lot of what he does on the field and on the track is for his family.”

Maguire said the support he receives from his family has been invaluable.

“My whole family has always had my back and has been at every race. “I couldn’t’ve (won states) without them,” he said.

Maguire Neal let his grandma, Leona Hiatt, wear his gold medal after he won the 300-meter hurdles state title on May 13. (Courtesy of Maguire Neal).

Initially, he couldn’t believe that he’d won the race.

“When I crossed the (finish) line I was just in shock, really. It finally hit me when the medal was put around my neck,” he said.

The athlete’s future is filled with possibilities.

He’s committed to play football, and run track, at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

He left for Charlotte on May 20, but will be back to attend Zephyrhills’ graduation at the University of South Florida on June 9.

Now, as he graduates, he’ll leave high school with a little extra hardware.

On the podium

Several other track and field athletes shined during the state meets in May. Here are a list of the individuals that placed in the top three, in their respective events:

First (Gold)

Class 1A

300-meter hurdles – Camila Garaton – Carrollwood Day – Sr. – 44.88

Class 4A

1600 meter – Brooke Reif – Wharton – Sr. – 4:53.27

Second (Silver)

Class 3A

1600 meter – Alex Pena – Sunlake – Jr. – 4:14.18

3200 meter – Zack Poekert – Cypress Creek – Jr. – 9:16.93

Discus – Isaiah Tavo – Land O’ Lakes – Sr. – 51.59m

Class 4A

400-meter – Serenity Brazell – Wharton – Jr. – 55.03

Third (Bronze)

Class 1A

Discus – Leighann Hanley – Carrollwood Day – So. – 34.80m

Class 3A

Javelin – Aiden Marsh – Land O’ Lakes – Jr. – 52.32m

Published May 25, 2022

Splash for the cash

May 17, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Wyatt Deaton just kept swimming.

For 2 miles — raising $5,900 through his persistence.

“This makes me — it just makes me super proud,” said his mother, Michelle, a cancer survivor. “I know he’s doing it for me, so it just means the world.”

Wyatt Deaton, 11, of Wesley Chapel, swims at the pool at the North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg during the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7. Deaton swam 2 miles (or 30 laps in the pool) and raised $5,900 (and counting), the most for this swim event. (Mike Camunas)

The 11-year-old was powering through laps as part of Swim Across America (SAA), the nationwide fundraising event for cancer research, clinical trials and patient programs.

He did it for his mom who has secretory breast carcinoma, a rare form of cancer.

“I just wanted to do my part to raise money for cancer (research), because my mom’s cancer is very rare, and this helps finding rare cancers and helping people, like my mom, who have it,” Wyatt said.

With SAA, participants set a goal to raise a certain amount of money and distance they’ll swim — ranging from a half-mile to up to 2 miles.

Events are held both on open water and in aquatic center pools.

Wyatt planned to swim 2 miles in the Gulf of Mexico on May 7, however, poor weather changed those plans — forcing the event to be moved to the North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg.

Wyatt Deaton, 11, of Wesley Chapel, is all smiles before hitting the pool at the North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg during the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7. He raised more than $5,900 for cancer research, clinical trials and patient programs.

Buoys were set up in the pool, creating a circular track for the swimmers.

Wyatt was the youngest swimmer to swim 2 miles.

He set a fundraising goal of $2,000, but so far he’s raised $5,900, and counting.

He was the top fundraiser for the Tampa Bay SAA event.

“As a coach, it’s my job to set big scary goals, sometimes, for kids,” said Wyatt’s coach Brian Ahern, of the Tampa Elite Aquatics Mantarays (TEAM).

“Raising that much money was a big scary goal; swimming that far was a big scary goal, too, but I told him, if he raised that much money, I’d swim the 2 miles with him.

“The fact that he raised more than double that is just incredible,” Ahern said.

Wyatt Deaton gives his mom, Michelle, a loving look prior to the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7. Michelle, a cancer survivor, is the reason Wyatt raised more than $5,900 for cancer research, clinical trials and patient programs.

Wyatt has been swimming since about age 5; he was in first grade when he found out about his mom’s cancer diagnosis.

“He was devastated, so he just read every book to learn more about it,” Michelle said. “I think that being able to do something as a child that makes a difference means a lot to him, and I can see him doing (SAA) for years and years to come.”

Wyatt is a straight-A, fifth-grader at Family of Christ Christian School in New Tampa.

He also competes with TEAM, which, as a team, has raised nearly $30,000 for SAA. The Tampa Bay event raised more than $136,000 for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.

Perhaps surprisingly, Wyatt didn’t take to the water quickly.

“When he came in, he had to learn the competitive strokes,” Ahern said.

In this year’s SAA swim, Wyatt and his coach completed their pledge swim on a warm Saturday morning, with Wyatt alternating between freestyle stroke and his on-the-nose but favorite stroke: “Yep, that’s the breaststroke,” he said with a smile and nod to his mom.

This was Wyatt’s third SAA, and he has already set a lofty goal for next year’s event.

He wants to raise $10,000.

Swim Across America
Info: There are several swim events across the country and state throughout the year. There is an upcoming swim at Hunters Green Pool in New Tampa at a date yet to be announced.
To donate to Wyatt’s fundraising, visit SwimAcrossAmerica.org/goto/Wyatt.

To learn more about Swim Across America or to donate directly to the organization, visit SwimAcrossAmerica.org.

Published May 18, 2022

Wyatt Deaton, 11, of Wesley Chapel, swims 2 miles at the North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg prior to the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7 with his Tampa Elite Aquatics Mantarays (TEAM) swim team coach Brian Ahern. TEAM has raised more than $29,000 for cancer research, with Deaton individually raising more than $5,900 of that total.

Michelle Deaton takes a photo of her son, Wyatt (green shirt, kneeling), with the rest of his Tampa Elite Aquatics swim team at North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg, prior to the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7.

Michelle Deaton, center, is all smiles as her husband, Rick, both look on as their son, Wyatt, 11, of Wesley Chapel, is interviewed by Swim Across America CEO Rob Butcher about raising over $5,900 — the most of any individual swimmer in the area.

The ‘devils’ are in the dirty details

May 10, 2022 By Mike Camunas

It’s about getting down and it’s definitely about getting dirty.

And, at Dirt Devils Speedway, the 1/5-mile clay oval track at 23846 State Road 52, in Land O’ Lakes, it’s all about speed, as well.

Georgia Posey, 12, of Plant City, races ahead in her white kart, while she is followed by Peyton Bronson, 10, of Plant City, in his black kart, at Dirt Devils Speedway in Land O’ Lakes. (Mike Camunas)

The track that opened in 1996 hosts go-kart practices, and races for kids and adults most Saturdays, weather permitting. The races even come with monetary prizes for the top three finishers in the varying heats and classes.

“I grew up around the race track and driving cars,” 17-year-old Lutz resident and driver Mariah Tirato said. “My grandfather and my dad, and all my uncles all drove go-karts and they just bought go-karts for us growing up. It’s a hobby I can do with my whole family. We’ll all be at the track, so I might as well drive.

Caleb Harrod helps his son, Connor, into his race suit and helmet in the staging area prior, to a race at Dirt Devils Speedway in Land O’ Lakes.

“Plus, I love going fast.”

Indeed, most races and events at Dirt Devils is a family affair. Not only do the new managers, John and Brittany Townsend, have children who race go-karts, but the whole track and facility came about because of family racing.

The owner, Sammy Rodriguez, leased the track to the Townsends in January. After retiring from sprint car racing in 1992, he built the track as a way to stay around the sport and watch his then 12-year-old grandson, Aric Almirola, race. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Almirola is now a three-time winning driver on the NASCAR Cup Series.

Rodriguez also built Dirt Devils because he was tired of going to tracks that were subpar. This happens to be the same reason the Townsends leased it from Rodriguez.

Dirt Devils Speedway owner John Townsend sends out drivers for a practice run on a Saturday afternoon.

“I was tired of going to race tracks that weren’t worth a dang,” John said. “So it was the same thing with me and Sammy. I figured why not just get a track that I know will be good, that I can make the best.”

Parents are noticing, as many of the families and drivers come long distances to Dirt Devils.

“Honestly, I like it a lot,” said Caleb Harrod, who brought his son, Connor, all the way from Bushnell to race at Dirt Devils. “It’s a beautiful track and great facility, so I have no complaints, at all. (Connor) said he had a lot of fun on his go-kart and that’s all I care about.”

Dirt Devils Speedway Race Director Dylon Ansel waves the checkered flag during a race at the 1/5-mile track on a Saturday afternoon in April.

Since taking over, the Townsends have poured their hearts, and their sweat, into Saturday races and events. John will man the pit area and race track — with help from his race director, Dylon Ansel —and Brittany works the ticket booth and concession stand.

They may look stressed running around talking to parents, helping out on the practices by pushing cars that spin out, and holding the mandatory driver’s meeting before the races, but the Townsends truly love their newly leased facility and the racing scene.

And, getting a little dirty in the process.

“I’ve been in the dirt business since I was in diapers,” John said. “But it’s a little different when you’re talking about material for a race track. We’re young and we took a gamble and there’s been a bit of a learning curve — but those who have been coming for a while are noticing that we will work hard to make this the best track around.”

Dirt Devils Speedway
Where: 23846 State Road 52, Land O’ Lakes
When: There are races Saturday afternoons, with the gates opening at 1 p.m., practices beginning at 4:30 p.m., and races later on in the evening.
Cost: $10 for adults and children; Children under 4 are free. $35 entry fee per kart per class. Rental of track is available, starting at $300 for four hours.
Details: Local racing track features go-karts driven by children and adults, and has been hosting races since 1996.
Info: Call 352-354-2562, or visit DirtDevilSpeed.com.

Published May 11, 2022