The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Land O' Lakes High School

Sunlake volleyball collecting wins, gaining fans

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When Deann Newton took over as coach of the Sunlake High School volleyball team, the Seahawks had never had much success with the program. So if you wanted to see them play, you could sit pretty much anywhere you wanted.

Sunlake volleyball coach Deann Newton huddles with her team during a match at Land O’ Lakes High School Oct. 2. The Seahawks won the match to remain undefeated in district play. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Sunlake volleyball coach Deann Newton huddles with her team during a match at Land O’ Lakes High School Oct. 2. The Seahawks won the match to remain undefeated in district play. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

“I think we maybe had five kids in the stands,” Newton said of her first games coaching. “And some of them might have been siblings.”

Now in her second year, good seats are harder to find. She estimates between 50 and 75 students go to their games, and they even had a strong turnout for a recent road contest against Land O’ Lakes High School.

The sudden interest in girls volleyball at Sunlake isn’t a coincidence. Newton has turned around a program that spent its first seven seasons in what seemed like a continuous losing streak. Their best record during that span was a 6-18 season, with multiple years where they won just one or two games. They even had a winless season.

But things changed in 2013. Under Newton, the Seahawks went 16-10, winning more games in one season than in all previous years combined. But a 5-2 record in Class 5A-District 8 wasn’t good enough for the postseason, so Sunlake had to be satisfied with a great turnaround and a bright future.

This year the team picked up where it left off, marching out to a 14-4 record so far, including a perfect 6-0 district mark. And while having four losses is no reason to be ashamed, it should be noted that all of those defeats came in tournament play, which Newton scheduled so they could get experience playing a variety of teams. The team is 11-0 outside of their tournaments.

The difference in the Seahawks before Newton came aboard and now comes down to how they approach the game from a mental standpoint.

“The attitude was like, ‘We’ll kind of try to win,’” she said of the team she inherited. “You have to go in with the (proper) mindset. It’s a very mental game.”

Now the Seahawks expect to win and focus on playing up to their capabilities.

But there were more than mental changes. The team started improving their conditioning and began working out together back in May to prepare for the upcoming season. It was a new schedule for the team, but the additional work was necessary to show that they were serious about improving on last year’s record, and becoming a stronger, fitter and more dangerous squad.

It was clear from the beginning that Newton was bringing something different to the team, said Gianna Basulto, a junior who has been on the team for three seasons.

“Before it wasn’t as serious,” she said. “But when Coach Newton showed up, it was like game on. This is how we’re going to do it.

“She was very straight-forward, and I love that about her because that’s the type of coach that I and the whole team need.”

The earlier conditioning has not only made the team more effective in long rallies, Basulto explained, but also helped the team develop important chemistry before the season even began.

That chemistry will be important as the season progresses toward the last few games of the regular season. While Newton said the team is taking things one game at a time, they haven’t forgotten their goals. They want to make the playoffs for the first time in school history, and they want to keep winning when they get there.

In order to keep getting better, Newton sets different goals for the team when they play, in addition to simply winning the match. They’ve been working on blocking and defense, for example, because the coach considers them areas where improvement is needed and will be required as they face stronger competition.

A strong mental attitude also will be required, and there’s plenty of confidence that didn’t exist a couple of years ago. As a result, if the team continues to improve, the school’s first postseason appearance could become a reality.

“I think we can go to (the district tournament) and I think we can win,” Basulto said. “Our coach is really pushing us, and we’re pushing ourselves.”

Newton, while still focused on fixing areas of weakness and getting better as a team, shares that optimism.

“Our goal is to get out of district with the one or two seed, preferably the one seed,” she said, which would qualify Sunlake for a first-ever trip to the regional tournament. “I think when we get to that point, I think good things are going to happen.”

Published October 8, 2014

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Fun to spare: Special Olympics hosts county bowling competition

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If you wanted to do some bowling in Zephyrhills on Sept. 19, you probably had a long wait.

Around 200 Special Olympics bowlers were knocking down pins, laughing and showing off hard-earned ribbons at Pin Chasers, 6816 N. Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Pine View Middle School student Maryanne Meeker knocks down some pins at the Special Olympics bowling event Sept. 19, which was part of its Fall Classic schedule. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Pine View Middle School student Maryanne Meeker knocks down some pins at the Special Olympics bowling event Sept. 19, which was part of its Fall Classic schedule.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Athletes from eight area middle and high schools packed the lanes in two sessions at the event, which was part of Special Olympics’ Fall Classic season. Gymnastics and softball also are part of the season, which begins with county games before moving to area competition and the state games in November.

According to Judy Brunner, county coordinator for Special Olympics Florida, the athletes get excited about bowling day, which combines competition with socialization and fun.

“They look forward to it for weeks and weeks,” Brunner said. “They love being here, they love showing off their abilities. They especially love getting that ribbon to take home.”

The event is good for family members as well, she said. Like little league or other organized sports activities for traditional students, parents come out to Special Olympics events to support their athletes, watch them perform, and see them interact in a social setting.

Holland Meeker was one of those proud parents at the bowling alley. Her daughter, Maryanne, has learning and speech disabilities, and doesn’t usually enjoy social settings. But Special Olympics bowling was different, and she had been looking forward to the event.

“Since (Maryanne) found out she was going to be participating, she was super excited,” Meeker said. “She’s enjoying herself greatly.”

Her attitude was a welcome surprise for her grandmother, Pamela Stewart, who also came out to watch Maryanne bowl.

“It’s great because she’s an introvert. Even if she’s at my house, she just sits there by herself,” she said. “Maryanne couldn’t wait to come.”

Maryanne, an eighth-grader at Pine View Middle School, said she likes her classes and enjoys math in particular. But it can’t compare to her first bowling event with Special Olympics, where she stared down the pins instead of studying.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I get to miss school.”

Fun is what Special Olympics is all about, Brunner said. And in her 34 years with the organization, she’s seeing more people having fun over the years.

When she first started, there was one season with just 250 athletes participating. Now there are different seasons and separate events for east and west Pasco participants.

In all, around 1,200 students and adults participate in Special Olympics in Pasco County.

Having that many participants means plenty of volunteers are needed to keep events running smoothly. At the bowling event, Zephyrhills High School students were on hand to help. Students from Land O’ Lakes High School helped with a similar event in west Pasco.

Special Olympics benefits from having around 100 volunteers for the Fall Classic season, Brunner said, and they make a big difference to the organization.

“We couldn’t do it without the volunteers,” she said. “They’re crucial, and they’re so good with our athletes. They give them a lot of extra attention and a lot of kudos, and make them feel good about themselves.”

Brunner also credited the Pasco County school system with handling transportation and letting them organize events on school days, which increases participation.

The result is full lanes, a lot of smiles, and a desire to continue participating in Special Olympics. Even for athletes like Maryanne, who don’t normally look forward to social events and interacting with new people, it’s something fun to mark on the calendar.

“She’s already looking forward to the next one,” Stewart said.

Published October 1, 2014

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Pasco boasts semifinalists for National Merit Scholarship

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Five local students are among eight in Pasco County who have been recognized as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, and will join hundreds of others in the state to the national semifinal round.

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. recognizes high school seniors with the highest scores on the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, who met published program participation requirements. The semifinalists are now eligible to compete for one of 8,000 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $35 million.

Local students recognized include:

• Brendan Foley of Pasco High School
• Lisa Goldsworthy of Sunlake High School
• Veronica Grady of Land O’ Lakes High School
• Olivia Sunna of Wiregrass Ranch High School
• Emily Suvannasankha of Land O’ Lakes High School

Other county semifinalists were Juliana Cavallaro from Mitchell High School, and both Mackenzie Marques and Jaquelyn Nagy from Gulf High School.

“I am very proud of our students for achieving such a distinguished honor,” said Pasco County Schools superintendent Kurt Browning, in a release. “Their success is a direct result of their dedication to academic excellence and the rigorous instruction provided by our outstanding teachers.”

To be considered, students must submit a detailed scholarship application that includes their academic record throughout high school, participation in school and community activities, demonstration of leadership abilities, and honors and awards received. Students also must be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn an SAT score that confirms the earlier performance on the qualifying test.

Finalists are selected based on exceptional skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. is a not-for-profit organization established in 1955 to conduct the National Merit Scholarship program.

School district to meet with families about Sanders magnet school

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Pasco County Schools will host a community meeting on the new Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet Elementary School Sept. 23 at 6 p.m., in the Land O’ Lakes High School gymnasium, 20325 Gator Lane in Land O’ Lakes.

STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Scheduled to attend are school superintendent Kurt Browning, members of the school board, architects from Williamson Dacar Associates, and contractors from Ajax Building Corp. All are expected to share preliminary information with parents about the school, as well as the timelines and requirements for hiring the principal, teachers and staff members. There also will be discussion about magnet school application timelines, and options for transportation.

Sanders has been closed since 2010, and reconstruction began last month on the new school buildings at 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes. They will include what the district describes as state-of-the-art architecture and furnishings, labs, collaboration areas, traditional classrooms, and outdoor classrooms.

Sanders will be the district’s first magnet school, and will not have an attendance boundary.

For more information, call (813) 794-2717, or (813) 361-8349.

Still in effect: No changes to county’s athletic transfer policy

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Pasco County’s athletic transfer policy for athletes isn’t going anywhere.

Earlier this month, the Pasco County School Board declined to make any changes to the policy, which requires students who switch schools to sit out a calendar year before playing for their new school. They can appeal the one-year ban, but unless they meet certain criteria, the student isn’t playing.

Students who change schools are subject to Pasco County’s athletic transfer policy, which could mean sitting out a calendar year before playing for their new school. That affects all high school sports, including the more popular ones, such as football. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Students who change schools are subject to Pasco County’s athletic transfer policy, which could mean sitting out a calendar year before playing for their new school. That affects all high school sports, including the more popular ones, such as football.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

The purpose of the policy is to prevent students from changing schools simply due to athletic considerations. However, some consider it stringent and controversial. The policy brings both positives and negatives to the table, said Land O’ Lakes High School athletic director Karen Coss.

Having the policy adds an extra check between the school and the Florida High School Athletic Association, she said.

“Having that extra check is a benefit. Without a policy, the schools make their own decisions, which can be ill-informed, or they need to navigate the FHSAA bylaws and policies,” Coss said.

On the other hand, schools have to identify affected students in order to request an appeal, Coss said. There’s also additional paperwork, which can put a further burden on an athletic director’s time.

Many athletic directors also are teachers — Coss teaches American government and human geography, for example — so the extra work can be challenging.

School board member Steve Luikart has been a critic of the policy as it’s being applied. But some have portrayed him as being against the policy itself, he said, and that’s not the case.

“I was never trying to rewrite something,” Luikart said. “We don’t have real big issues with the policy. We’ve had some big issues with the procedures and how they’re being implemented.”

Luikart believes there is some ambiguity in terms, such as what constitutes an enrolled student or a transfer student, he said. As a result, there are athletes being forced into an appeals process based on these interpretations when they should already be eligible to play sports.

“I’m under the impression that, according to the FHSAA, if a student lives inside their attendance zone, and they live with a legal guardian and they’ve enrolled in school on the first day of school, then they’re an enrolled student,” Luikart said. “There is no definition of being transferred from one place to the other.”

For the public, one of the sources of confusion is in relation to the FHSAA and the county. They aren’t the same organization, and while they work together to create athletic opportunities for students, they have different roles.

“The county is not determining eligibility,” Coss said. “They are deciding if they will allow the student to participate in sports. Some students still have to be ruled on by the FHSAA in addition to the county, so it is possible that a student is permitted to participate by the county, but ineligible by the FHSAA, and vice versa.”

Creating a policy and applying it can be two different things, and it’s the application that has concerned Luikart. It’s also the source for some degree of optimism.

Instead of expressing disappointment that the policy wasn’t changed or rescinded at the last meeting, Luikart feels like they’re working on a clearer explanation of how to apply it.

While nothing formal has been sent to the board to review, he’s heard that some adjustments in the procedures could be made. At that point he’ll review the adjustments and see if it fits with what he considers a fairer implementation of the policy.

In that regard, even though the policy is still in place and no changes to it were made, Luikart believes he got what he wanted.

“I thought I won,” he said. “My whole argument was that the process was flawed. The procedures were totally flawed.”

Published September 17, 2014

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Blowing up: Jonathan Fudge’s business vision takes shape

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As a balloon artist, Jonathan Fudge has to be able to field all kinds of requests like dogs, swords and hearts. And recently, a fire alarm.

“I said, ‘Tell me what’s important about a fire alarm to you,’” recalled Fudge. And after hearing what elements clients wanted to see — a round shape, place for batteries, test button — he got to work immediately.

With around 20 years experience, Jonathan Fudge isn’t afraid to tackle any balloon project.
With around 20 years experience, Jonathan Fudge isn’t afraid to tackle any balloon project.

“I made it happen for him,” he said. “That’s my job.”

Fudge, who attended Land O’ Lakes High School and lives in Lutz, has been creating balloon art for most of his life.

“I used to be the best, youngest balloon artist in the world. But then I got older,” he said with a laugh.

Now 28, Fudge started making shapes 20 years ago, and has been working events since he was 16. It’s taken him to places like Belgium, China and Japan. He’s also turned his love of entertaining into a larger, thriving business.

His company, YTE Events, boasts a stable of more than 130 performers who entertain at parties, celebrations, school programs, and corporate and charity events.

One upcoming charity on YTE’s schedule is the Cheval Cares 5k & Family Fun Day, Sept. 20. Now in its third year, the event — at the Cheval Athletic Club in Lutz — benefits the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

YTE — which stands for Your Total Entertainment — participates in a number of charitable events that benefit groups like Metropolitan Ministries and Suncoast Hospice. For Fudge, it’s just part of helping others in the community, his entertainers, and the people who enjoy them.

“I got my start through charity,” he said. “Someone taught me for free. But I’m not the only one who’s been touched by that.

“When I can give my entertainers an outlet to do something they love, and to share what they love with other people, that skips over all kinds of boundaries.”

Even non-charitable events allow his performers to get the satisfaction that comes with entertaining others with their special skills and abilities.

Fudge’s stable of performers includes superheroes and princesses (some might bear a resemblance to famous names, but aren’t specifically representing characters who would cost a lot of money to license) as well as mermaids, magicians, ninjas, jugglers and face-painters. He works out of his home, matching the right entertainment to specific events, as well as performing balloon art himself.

The company handles around 50 different events each month, he said.

Fudge himself heads out to his own gigs making balloon shapes. The art form has changed a lot over the past few years, he said. In the past, one could get away with making basic shapes using just one balloon. But people expect more definition and complexity today, and that means staying on top of trends, learning new styles and being creative on the fly.

Fudge has fielded unusual requests like lawnmowers and vacuum cleaners, and participated in creating a dress made out of balloons.

Running his business isn’t easy, either. In addition to the 20 to 25 hours he spends doing balloon art, he can invest as much as 80 hours a week keeping things running smoothly, and making sure the right entertainment is placed with the right event.

Finding high-caliber talent is a challenge as well. It’s one thing to run across someone with a nice costume and the right look, but entertaining at an event takes more than that. And Fudge doesn’t let just anybody join the team. He’s very picky, and is looking for performers who have a natural ability to interact with people in an entertaining and positive way.

“What’s really more important, and what I can’t teach, is personality,” he said. “They have to be good with kids, they have to be charismatic, they have to be fun, they have to be high energy.

“And someone who really loves what they do. If they’re in love with the character they’re trying to portray, then they’re going to portray them in a much more realistic and believable way.”

Fudge’s team is filled with performers quick on their feet, and who are willing to do a bit of acting to really adopt the image they’re displaying at the event.

The end result is a strong group of handpicked performers who share passion for their craft and appreciate the opportunity to share it with the public. And beyond the costumes, balloons and other props, Fudge considers that passion to be his company’s biggest asset.

“There are other agencies in the area and elsewhere,” he said. “But I think what sets our agency apart is the fact that everyone in my company loves what they do.”

For more information about YTE Events, visit YTEEvents.com.

Published September 10, 2014

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Land O’ Lakes looking to build on last year, reach playoffs

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Nobody can accuse Land O’ Lakes High School of having a poor season in 2013.

They went 8-2 and held half their opponents to 14 points or less — including two shutouts — while scoring more than 30 points in each of six games. In many respects, they were a dominant team.

An improved offensive line is giving the quarterback more time to make plays in practice, Land O’ Lakes’ James Pensyl said. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
An improved offensive line is giving the quarterback more time to make plays in practice, Land O’ Lakes’ James Pensyl said.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

For most schools, those results might be good enough for a district title, or at least a playoff berth as district runner-up. But the Gators stayed home for the postseason because their two losses were to district foes Springstead and Sunlake, who finished ahead of them in Class 6A-District 6.

Head coach Brian Wachtel expects his team to remember what happened and apply some of those lessons from last season.

“It’s like being in a 100-meter race and the last 20 yards just not being able to kick it in,” Wachtel said. “And I think they’ve grown from that and worked hard and learned a lot from it. And they’re going to put a lot of that into this upcoming season.”

And the upcoming season should feature a good number of those players back in the huddle. Land O’ Lakes will return eights starters on offense from last year, including several skill positions. Having that many players return on one side of the ball is an asset for a team looking to build on last year, the coach said.

“I think it’s great for consistency when you have guys back that know what they’re doing, they’ve been in the system, they’ve got game experience, they’re more seasoned,” Wachtel said. “I think that definitely helps you when you’re going into the season.”

One of the returning players is quarterback James Pensyl. He was one of the area’s top passers last year with a nose for the end zone and a knack for limiting turnovers.

Pensyl, who has made an oral commitment to Oregon State University, can tell the offensive line has improved just by having more time to execute in practice compared to last year.

“Going against our defense in practice (last year), I barely had any time to throw the ball,” he said. “This year I have time. I have the time I’m supposed to have. I can make my drops and make the reads.”

The receivers also are showing more experience, with good knowledge of the routes and where they’re supposed to be on the field, Pensyl said.

Wachtel, now in his fourth year coaching the team, acknowledges that they play in a competitive district with difficult opponents. But the Gators already have proven they can win games, and are looking to finish stronger than last season, when they went 2-2 over their final four contests after beginning the year with six straight wins.

How they finish will once again be critical to their playoff fortunes, but right now the team is more focused on how they’ll start their 2014 campaign. Their schedule is back loaded with district games — they don’t face a team that defeated them last year until mid-October.

But the Gators aren’t looking past Week 1. Wachtel doesn’t want his team worrying about future opponents when they have other teams to face first.

“There’s no sense in looking down the road because you’ve got to take care of everything in the beginning,” he said. ”We just go week by week.”

The players have bought into the system, aren’t looking ahead, and are making progress toward the kind of focus and consistency required to be successful, Wachtel said. He also credits the coaching staff with helping build a strong foundation for a winning program.

But in the end, it’s not the assistant coaches nor Wachtel himself who will determine the team’s outcome in 2014. For all the preparations, game plans, workouts and practices, it’s the players who will have to take care of business when the games count.

“Those are the guys who’ve got to pull it off out there on Friday night,” Wachtel said. “We can put them in a position to be successful, but they’ve got to pull the trigger.”

And Pensyl is eager to do just that, by leading a team that will try to limit mistakes and play up to its potential.

“We’re definitely a playoff-caliber team,” he said. “We’re the only team that can keep ourselves from the playoffs.”

LAST YEAR: 8-2
2-2 in the district
third place in Class 6A-District 6

KEY RETURNING PLAYERS
James Pensyl, quarterback
Ethan Weilant, wide receiver
Anthony Hendrix, safety

PLAYER TO WATCHConor Heaney, defensive line
“He’s a talented kid. When he cranks it up, he moves well. It’s a matter of getting out there on the field on Friday night and going 100 miles an hour.” — Coach Brian Wachtel

Gators 2014 Schedule
8/29 — at River Ridge
9/5 — Anclote
9/12 — at Ridgewood
9/19 — Mitchell
9/26 — Gulf
10/10 — at Hudson
10/17 — Sunlake
10/24 — at Fivay
10/31 — at Springstead
11/7 — Lecanto

Published August 27, 2014

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Rock lives again as Stonegrey takes local stage

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Guns N’ Roses. Pearl Jam. Nirvana.

For music lovers in their 30s or 40s, these were bands that helped define a generation, and continue to influence rock to this day. And that’s precisely where the members of the local rock revival band Stonegrey draw their inspiration.

Stonegrey is inspired by 1990s rock bands like Pearl Jam, Guns N’ Roses and even a hint of the grunge style of Nirvana. (Courtesy of Terri Dusek)
Stonegrey is inspired by 1990s rock bands like Pearl Jam, Guns N’ Roses and even a hint of the grunge style of Nirvana.
(Courtesy of Terri Dusek)

Except there’s one thing the musicians behind Stonegrey may have forgotten to mention: Those inspirational bands had their heyday before these young rockers were even born.

The oldest members of the Land O’ Lakes-based band — lead singer Eric Whitener and drummer Tyler Dusek — are just 20 years old. Tyler’s brother, guitarist Tristan Dusek, is a recent Land O’ Lakes High School graduate and is 18, while bass player Nick Mitchell is the youngest at 17.

“The biggest challenge we face out there is how young we are,” said Whitener, who works a day job as a marketer for Magical Butter, a food company in New Port Richey. “We get up there on stage, and at first it looks like just some kids playing. But when we get off the stage, they are usually in awe, and that’s when they start taking us seriously.”

The band formed in 2010, playing mostly cover songs in smaller venues under the name Culprit. Before long, however, the band made some changes to both some of its members and its name — Stonegrey — and started to focus more on original music.

They self-produced an album with songs like “Rearview,” “Hold On” and “Leave Me Bleeding.” They practice in a spare room at the Dusek house in Land O’ Lakes, surrounded by pictures of the band on stage, sound equipment, and a life-size cutout of former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Saul “Slash” Hudson in the corner.

Jay and Terri Dusek never tell the boys to hold the music down. In fact, they’re the first to make them crank it up. The Duseks along with Angela Whitener and other parents, have been tireless supporters of their children. They’re at nearly every show, help fund new projects, and are their ambassadors out in the community.

Terri Dusek, a Realtor who currently is the Central Pasco honorary mayor, is always sharing the band’s music and show dates with nearly everyone she sees.

The band’s approach, however, practically markets itself. But that’s because all the attention is on the music, and not gimmicks, popular with many recording artists today, the members said.

“It’s not that we don’t like mainstream music,” Tyler Dusek said. “The thing that we try to do is take what we feel is good about what’s going on, and ignore what we feel is not good, and make it into something that is different. And let’s be honest, something is ‘hipster’ because no one has ever heard of it. We don’t want to be something that people never heard of.”

Performers like Miley Cyrus try to get attention with antics both on- and off-stage.

“Are they really performing music, or are they just putting on a show for entertainment purposes?” Tristan Dusek asked. “We just play music. As far as gimmicks go, we have light boxes we stand on, and then there’s our hair, but we don’t do anything that overpowers anyone.”

Oh, that’s right. The hair.

The first thing many fans notice is the long hair both Whitener and Tristan Dusek sport. It sets the mood for the style of music Stonegrey plays, but it’s also one of the many things people remember when they think of the band.

Despite what anyone might think, Tristan says his curls are natural. His brother Tyler decided it was time to grow out his hair, and in just a couple months, he may have to deal with the same thing.

Although some band members might stand out more than others, everything Stonegrey does is a group effort. Everyone takes equal credit for all the work the band does, including songwriting.

“It’s all 25 percent each, no matter what,” Whitener said. “Just like with Tyler, if he doesn’t like a drum part, he’ll say something. If I come up with some lyrics these guys don’t like, we’ll talk about it. They might have something in their brains they like better, and we’ll at least try it.”

Upcoming shows include the highly anticipated Battle of the Bands at the Ritz Ybor on Aug. 30, as well as a set at Hogan’s Beach in Tampa’s Rocky Pointe on Sept. 18.

Yet, Stonegrey still enjoys the local hometown crowds that have supported them from the beginning, playing at the Beef O’ Brady’s at Lake Wilderness.

“Personally, I don’t care how much money we make, and I don’t care how famous we are in the public eye,” Mitchell said. “I just want to get a chance to do what I love in front of people who appreciate what I am doing.”

Find music from Stonegrey’s first album on Apple’s iTunes Store by visiting tinyurl.com/StonegreyAlbum. Get a look at a music video for the song “Stop Me” in this YouTube clip at tinyurl.com/StonegreyVid. And learn more about upcoming shows from the band’s website at StonegreyBand.com.

Published August 13, 2014

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The power of friendship revealed through barrel racing event

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Lots of people don’t know a thing about barrel racing. There are probably even fewer who have heard of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

But even if those who don’t have a clue about either of those, chances are they’ve had a friend or two in life that has made them feel special. And, along the way, if that friend were in trouble, they have wanted to be there to help.

Kristy Bryant Flynn, front, and Tanya Dadez enjoy Busch Gardens during Flynn’s healthier days. (Courtesy of Tanya Dadez)
Kristy Bryant Flynn, front, and Tanya Dadez enjoy Busch Gardens during Flynn’s healthier days.
(Courtesy of Tanya Dadez)

That’s what motivated San Antonio resident Tanya Dadez to organize Kristy’s Can-Cer Vive Benefit Barrel Race. She hopes the event will ease some of the financial burdens the disease has caused to Kristy Bryant Flynn, her lifelong friend.

Part of the event’s name is a play on the words “can survive.”

Slated for Saturday, the barrel race is expected to draw at least 100 competitors. It’s a timed race, and those clocking the fastest finish — by racing through the course without hitting a barrel — will win cash awards.

In addition to the races, spectators can see riders and their horses checking out the arena in exhibitions that begin a couple of hours before the competition kicks off.

Many riders will compete with more than one horse, Dadez said.

Admission is free, but barbecued meals will be available for purchase, at $7.50 a plate, including drinks. There also will be vendors and a silent auction, with bidders vying for about 50 different items.

Planning for the event began months ago when Dadez began discussing the idea with Dennis and Tammie Rogers, owners of Double R Arena in Dade City. They generously agreed to host the event, Dadez said.

Ierna’s Heating & Cooling, Chandelle Veterinary Associates and Embroider Too all stepped up to contribute funds to sweeten the purse for the barrel race winners.

Charlene Ierna was quick to help out, Dadez said. She’s also been a dear friend of Flynn’s for years as they both played on the same softball team when they were kids.

Ierna also asked Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que to get involved, Dadez said. The popular barbecue restaurant agreed, donating meals and drinks, with proceeds to benefit Flynn’s family.

Dadez said she felt compelled to find a way to help.

“Kristy and I have been best friends since kindergarten. We went to Sanders Elementary, Pine View Middle and we both graduated from Land O’ Lakes High School,” she said.

Flynn began noticing symptoms she didn’t understand when she was in her 20s. She couldn’t take hot showers, for instance, because they nearly knocked her out. She frequently dropped dishes and other items, because she couldn’t get a tight grip on them.

And then, when she bent over to pick up the items, she felt nauseous when she began to straighten up.

Flynn was diagnosed with her condition in 2008. The disease is a form of blood cancer, and there is no known cure. It is especially rare for someone as young as Flynn to have the condition, according to medical websites.

There has been progress in developing medications, but so far Flynn has not responded well to drugs now available for long-term treatment.

Dadez, who is a barrel racer herself, said she knew that barrel races sometimes are hosted for charitable causes, so she decided to organize this one. She hopes the fundraiser will lessen the financial pressures that Flynn, her husband, Scot, and the couple’s children have faced since Flynn had to stop working.

“She’s just the epitome of innocence and wholesome and everything good that you could possibly imagine,” Dadez said. “She never says an ill word about anybody. She’s an angel, really. I just love her to death.”

Dadez said Flynn wanted to pitch in when she heard about the fundraiser.

“She said, ‘I feel really bad. I feel like I need to be doing something,’” Dadez said. “I said, ‘This is for you and your family. I want you to come out and enjoy, have a good time. This is all about you. You don’t have to worry about anything. We’ve got everything covered.’”

Even though Flynn wants to help, she acknowledges she probably wouldn’t be able to do much. On some days, just making breakfast is about all she has the energy to do. On other days, she runs out of breath just walking out to the family’s mailbox.

Flynn would like to work, but she can’t because she never knows from one day to the next how much energy she’ll have. When she has done a few hours of work, she has found herself wiped out for days afterward, she said.

Despite the challenges, Flynn remains upbeat.

Besides helping to raise money for Flynn, Dadez said she thinks the event will be fun for the entire family. Those attending will have a chance to see horses up close, watch competitive races, eat a nice meal, check out the vendors, and bid on items at the auction.

Spectators should be sure to bring lawn chairs to the event, Dadez added.

Initially, Dadez was hoping to raise at least $3,000 for her friend.

“I do believe, and I’m pretty hopeful, that we’re going to be able to exceed that,” she said.

If you go:
WHAT: Kristy’s Can-Cer Vive Benefit Barrel Race, featuring about 100 racing around barrels, vying for the fastest time and cash prizes
WHERE: Double R Arena, 32640 Amberlea Road, Dade City
WHEN: Aug. 16, exhibitions begin at 4 p.m., show begins at 6 p.m.
COST: Admission for spectators is free. Entry fee for riders is $40 a horse. Event also features barbecued dinners, vendors and a silent auction.
INFO: Tanya Dadez, (813) 787-6448

Published August 13, 2014

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Keppel ‘uncontested winner in our eyes,’ principal says

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The community came together to vote for Kris Keppel, but in the end getting the most votes was just not enough for the Land O’ Lakes High School cross-country coach as he just misses winning a national award.

Instead, Brooks Running Co. named Renee Williams-Smith of Manhattan Beach, California, as its Inspiring Coach of the Year.

Williams-Smith joined what was then a male-dominated cross-country team at Mira Costa High School 40 years ago, and helped launch the girls program there that she coaches today. She has maintained an inclusive coaching philosophy and a steadfast commitment to daring girls to strive for greatness, according to a release.

“Running is a sport of firsts,” said Brooks Running chief executive Jim Weber, in a release. “Whether it’s your first step out the door, signing up for your first race, crossing your first finish line, or bringing home your first medal, achieving new things is in the DNA of our sport. Renee’s track record of firsts in the running world and her passion to create opportunities for all young athletes to experience success in cross-country and track inspired each one of us at Brooks.”

Part of the contest included a chance for fans to vote for their favorite coach through a Facebook campaign that Keppel ultimately won with more than 13,000 votes. He traveled to Seattle for the ceremony, which honored all the nominated coaches for the work they put into their sports.

“Coach Keppel did not win the Brooks award,” Land O’ Lakes principal Ric Mellin reported on Twitter. “He did win the national popular vote and is the uncontested winner in our eyes.”

Williams-Smith and her Mira Costa Mustangs receive $10,000 in Brooks performance running gear, and $2,500 cash to use for team expenses. She also will become a member of the Brooks Inspire Daily program comprised of coaches, elite runners and other running influencers, as well as a trip to the 2015 Brooks PR Invitational, a national track meet that showcases the fastest high school running talent in the country.

Finalists like Keppel received $5,000 in Brooks performance running gear, and $500 cash for team expenses, as well as membership into the Brooks’ Inspire Daily program.

Brooks chose Williams-Smith from a group of 25 finalists after current and former athletes, parents, fellow coaches, faculty and community members cast more than 45,000 votes via social media for the coach they found most inspiring.