The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Sunlake High School

Governor slashes some budget items

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Pasco County had some hits and misses in the 2017 state budget.

Gov. Rick Scott signed a statewide budget bill of about $82 billion on March 17. But not before he slashed about $256 million in vetoed items, including $11 million sought for the proposed performing arts center at the Pasco-Hernando State College.

However, he spared some Pasco projects including $450,000 for repairs and upkeep at the Baldomero Lopez Memorial Veterans Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes and $53,500 for the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City.

Gov. Rick Scott vetoed a proposed $750,000 grant to help restore the Capt. Harold B. Jeffries House in Zephyrhills. (File Photo)
Gov. Rick Scott vetoed a proposed $750,000 grant to help restore the Capt. Harold B. Jeffries House in Zephyrhills.
(File Photo)

The performing arts center is planned for joint uses between the college and Pasco County Schools. It likely will be built on property near the Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

In two prior years, requests of $10 million each made it through safely. This is the first rejection for a project expected to cost as much as $60 million.

“It’s disappointing, but we understand it’s a complex statewide budget,” said Lucy Miller, spokeswoman for the state college. “There’s always another year we can vie for funds. It’s a fact that we have to look at other options and see what’s out there.”

Miller noted, however, that it’s unlikely to be a private donor with deep enough pockets to foot such a large bill.

Planning for the project will move forward, she said.

The college currently operates a performing arts center in a 620-seat theater on its West Campus in New Port Richey. The proposed facility would have up to 3,000 seats, and could serve as training ground for college and high school performing arts’ students.

It also has potential for conferences, conventions, trade shows and high school graduation ceremonies.

A 2013 study by the Urban Land Institute found that Pasco lacks sufficient cultural and arts venues, and should consider using revenues from the Penny for Pasco program to support such projects.

Scott also rejected some other Pasco projects.

He cut $250,000 to help reopen the Moore Mickens Education Center in Dade City and $75,000 to restore the historical Capt. Harold B. Jeffries’ house in Zephyrhills.

The Moore Mickens school was Pasco’s first school for black students. In more recent years, the school provided adult education, a Cyesis program for pregnant teenagers and an early childhood education program for child care workers.

School officials closed Moore Mickens in 2015 and transferred its programs to other sites.

The request for the Jeffries’ house in Zephyrhills landed on the annual “turkey watch” list issued by Florida Taxwatch.

Built in 1912, the structure is the original home of Jeffries, the Civil War veteran who settled Zephyrhills in the hopes of bringing other war veterans with him.

The private, nonprofit Taxwatch group doesn’t judge a project’s worthiness, but singles out projects for a lack of transparency and accountability.

According to Taxwatch, the request for the restoration funds didn’t go through the historical properties grant process.

Another project on the turkey list escaped the veto pen: Scott led stand a request for $750,000 for a multi-modal trail across U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

Other winners in Pasco are the STEM aeronautics academy at Sunlake High School and other locations, with $750,000; Dade City, with $400,000 for a storm water project; Pasco Sheriff’s child protective unit, with $400,000; Lighthouse for the Blind in Pasco and Hernando counties, with $100,000; and $250,000 for a new kitchen for the Senior Elderly Nutrition Program in Land O’ Lakes.

Sometimes persistence pays off.

Last year, Gov. Scott vetoed a similar request for the kitchen. He also scuttled a larger request of $1.9 million for Dade City’s storm water initiative.

Published March 30, 2016

Sunlake cheerleaders heading to Hawaii

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A summer trip to Hawaii has become an annual tradition for the Sunlake High varsity cheer team.

From June 22 to June 29, Sunlake cheer coach Pennye Garcia and five of her cheerleaders will participate in the 15th annual Cheer Hawaii USA Summer Invitational at the University of Hawaii.

For three consecutive years, Sunlake High has sent cheerleaders to Cheer Hawaii. This picture is from the 2015 camp. From left: Nicole Calderin, Amanda Slozer, Sunlake coach Pennye Garcia, Penn State coach Curtis White, Mariah Berberich and Mallory Mock. (Courtesy of Pennye Garcia)
For three consecutive years, Sunlake High has sent cheerleaders to Cheer Hawaii. This picture is from the 2015 camp. From left: Nicole Calderin, Amanda Slozer, Sunlake coach Pennye Garcia, Penn State coach Curtis White, Mariah Berberich and Mallory Mock.
(Photos courtesy of Pennye Garcia)

Coach Garcia will be joined in Oahu by Sunlake cheerleaders Taylor Broderick, Lauren Gobea, Maddie Frazee, Hailey Parks and Mikiah Peeples.

About 100 cheerleaders from all 50 states are selected to participate in the prestigious camp each year.

Since 2006, Garcia has sent at least five of her cheerleaders — at every school she’s coached — to the weeklong college-prep cheer camp. She is one of just eight coaches that will be attending to provide additional instruction and guidance.

Each year, Cheer Hawaii focuses on developing four main competitive cheerleading areas: cheer motion and spirit, dance, stunting and leadership skills.

Typically, nominations for the camp are open to current high school sophomores and juniors that exhibit certain qualities such as basic cheer skills, leadership abilities, a positive attitude, and a desire to learn and improve.

Sunlake senior Amanda Slozer, who attended the camp last year, said the weeklong affair benefits cheerleaders who aspire to be team captains and role models for younger teammates.

“It’s a really good experience,” she said about the camp. “I had a good time.”

With a limited number of spots, Garcia opts to nominate cheerleaders that have shown her leadership-like qualities during their career at Sunlake.

“I choose the ones…that show me individual characteristics that I would be proud of to send to Hawaii to represent our skills,” said Garcia, the 2016 East Pasco Coach of the Year. “If they have any disciplinary issues, they probably won’t get selected, and they know why.”

Several Sunlake cheerleaders will be participating in the 15th annual Cheer Hawaii USA Summer Invitational at the University of Hawaii from June 22 to June 29. The camp is organized by Alan Akina each year. From left: Pennye Garcia, Amanda Slozer, Nicole Calderin, Akina, Mallory Mock and Mariah Berberich.
Several Sunlake cheerleaders will be participating in the 15th annual Cheer Hawaii USA Summer Invitational at the University of Hawaii from June 22 to June 29. The camp is organized by Alan Akina each year. From left: Pennye Garcia, Amanda Slozer, Nicole Calderin, Akina, Mallory Mock and Mariah Berberich.

With camp instructors such as Penn State’s Curtis White, both high school cheerleaders and their respective coaches learn about advanced-level techniques and cheers they can take back to their prep squads.

“Coach White brings his male cheerleaders and teaches everyone how to coed stunt,” Garcia said. “They all are college coaches that come in and teach high schools how to do sideline cheers and chants.”

Garcia added that Sunlake has altered its entire cheer format based on what they’ve learned at Cheer Hawaii, aligning their squad to perform cheers similar to some of the premier Division I cheer programs.

“It has been really beneficial for us in competition and for sidelines,” Garcia said.

The results at Sunlake speak for themselves. This past season, the Seahawks had the highest scoring average in Pasco County — 74.51— and finished third in the Class 1A Small Division FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) state finals. In 2014, Sunlake won the Class 1A Medium Division state title.

According to Garcia, the weeklong camp also benefits high school cheerleaders who have aspirations of cheering in college, by teaching them the steps needed to make that drastic leap.

“There’s a lot of Cheer Hawaii kids that go on to cheer in college, and they get a lot of pointers from them,” she said.

Additionally, high school cheerleaders and coaches alike learn several positive reinforcement techniques to use during the season. For example, after every practice, the Sunlake cheer team will do an activity called ‘Celebrations and Reminders,’ where teammates will ‘celebrate’ each other’s accomplishments— like a perfect stunt in practice — and provide ‘reminders’ of what they need to do for their next practice.

Garcia noted the activity is beneficial for empowering her team.

“It’s kind of like a ‘grab you, hug you’ type of thing,” she said, noting that teammates remember each other’s kind words to one another. “It’s just a positive way to say everything.”

For Sunlake, the camp kicks off the summer season, and serves as a kick-start in trying to remain as one of the top competitive cheer teams in Pasco.

Published March 30, 2016

Sunlake cheerleader, coach receive county honors

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Sunlake High School’s competitive cheerleading season may be over, but the awards are tumbling in.

Senior cheerleader Amanda Slozer and head coach Pennye Garcia recently received the Sunshine Athletic Conference’s (SAC) Cheerleader of the Year and Coach of the Year for the East Pasco division, respectively.

Slozer, 18, said she was “shocked” when she found out she was being awarded for her individual performance.

“I just wasn’t expecting it,” she said, humbly.

From left, Sunlake High senior Amanda Slozer, Sunlake Principal Michael Cloyd and Sunlake cheerleader coach Pennye Garcia. Slozer was named East Pasco Cheerleader of the Year and Garcia won East Pasco Coach of the Year (Photos courtesy of Pennye Garcia)
From left, Sunlake High senior Amanda Slozer, Sunlake Principal Michael Cloyd and Sunlake cheerleader coach Pennye Garcia. Slozer was named East Pasco Cheerleader of the Year and Garcia won East Pasco Coach of the Year
(Photos courtesy of Pennye Garcia)

However, her coach wasn’t the least bit surprised that Slozer, one of the team’s captains, was recognized — due to the cheerleader’s diverse skillset.

“Stunting—she’s as strong as anything; I can always put her anywhere,” Garcia said. “Whenever I needed to have the most strength in (a routine), that’s where she would go.”

Slozer had the perfect combination of skill and character needed for a team to be successful, added Garcia, who has been a cheerleader coach for 13 years, the longest-standing in Pasco County,

“When you have (a cheerleader) that has the quality that you want in a kid and the skill level, it’s great,” said Garcia, who is fascinated by Slozer’s tumbling ability. “She’s very responsible, dependable, caring; just a great individual.”

Slozer, who’s been cheering since she was 7 years old, realizes a lot of people don’t understand the challenges and sacrifices of being a competitive cheerleader — especially when it comes to being a part of a Garcia-coached team.

“I feel like a lot of people just think we stand on the track at football games…but they don’t understand the competition season is the most serious thing that we have to do,” she explained. “We practice for several weeks and several hours at a time, and the work we do while we’re at practice is not just standing around.”

The Sunlake competitive cheer team finished the year with the highest scoring average in the county—74.51— and advanced to the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) state meet in late January, placing third in the Class 1A Small Division.

Garcia, who helped guide Sunlake to a state title in the 2013-2014 season, was hoping for a first or second place finish at this year’s state championships, knowing the squad’s high ceiling going into the season.

“This team had a little bit more talent than my state (title) team. They got some skills a lot quicker,” said Garcia, who also won Pasco County Coach of the Year in 2014.

“This team was a lot more laid back than my state team. They were not, as a whole, as ambitious until the last minute, where it has to be ambitious from the get-go,” Garcia said.

Under the guidance of Coach Pennye Garcia, Sunlake has reached the state finals for three consecutive years.
Under the guidance of Coach Pennye Garcia, Sunlake has reached the state finals for three consecutive years.

As one of the premier cheerleading coaches in the area, Garcia has maintained a successful track record at Sunlake — three consecutive state appearances — by instilling discipline, consistency and purpose, and maintaining the quality of cheerleaders she selects for her varsity squad.

“I have to stick to my guns and be tough,” the head coach said. “If I would not be tough like I am, it would be very easy for the kids to lay back and want everything, but not want to work for it. I can’t function like that.”

Slozer has witnessed the grind firsthand, whether it’s attending 6 a.m. practices or participating in countless post-practice reps.

“She is tough, but she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to this program, I feel like,” Slozer said about Coach Garcia. “She cares a lot about it, so that helps.”

“I feel like over the past three years we’ve had different rivals every year, because the teams are all different every time, but we’ve stayed pretty consistent,” she said.

To perform a seamless 2 ½-minute routine, which consists of standing and running tumbling, transitions and stunting, Garcia ensures her squad is fully equipped to earn high scores in competitions.

“I practice them until it’s ready,” Garcia said, pointing out that stunting is the most important part of a routine. “If it’s not ready, I will have them do whatever we need to do until I feel like it’s done.”

While the season is over, Garcia’s mind is focused on the program’s next step, whether it’s organizing clinics and camps, or designing future pyramids and routines.

With Slozer’s impending graduation and the exodus of several other “crucial” seniors, Garcia will once again have to find a way to lead her crop of cheerleaders to the top.

Published March 23, 2016

 

Sunlake’s Anderson captures weightlifting title

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After finishing third at the state weightlifting meet in 2015, Sunlake High’s Brianna Anderson set her sights on winning a state title in her senior year.

That’s exactly what she did on Feb. 6, when she placed first in the 183-pound division in the Class 2A Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Girls Weightlifting Championships.

Anderson recorded a 165-pound bench press and a 220-pound clean-and-jerk for a total of 385 pounds — 20 pounds more than the second place finisher, Kendall Chavarria of Charlotte High.

Sunlake High’s Brianna Anderson, right, is pictured alongside weightlifting coach Denise Garcia. Anderson won first place in the 183-pound division in the Class 2A Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Girls Weightlifting Championships on Feb. 6. (Photos courtesy of Denise Garcia)
Sunlake High’s Brianna Anderson, right, is pictured alongside weightlifting coach Denise Garcia. Anderson won first place in the 183-pound division in the Class 2A Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Girls Weightlifting Championships on Feb. 6.
(Photos courtesy of Denise Garcia)

“I was really emotional, because it was like I finally accomplished a goal that I had since sophomore year, and all the hard work just paid off,” Anderson said about the result.

In addition to the state title, Anderson’s 220-pound clean-and-jerk was her highest mark ever recorded.

“It took her four months to go from 190 (pounds) to 220 (pounds),” said Denise Garcia, head coach of the Sunlake weightlifting team. “I think she probably would’ve had 230 (pounds), but she did her personal best, and she went out with a bang.”

Over the past three years, Anderson made significant gains in the clean-and-jerk once she was being taught the front squat method of lifting.

She also got used to the feeling of falling down after a failed attempt.

“Most people are afraid of falling or getting hurt, so if you get used to falling, that’s really half of it,” Anderson said about being successful in the clean-and-jerk.

“It’s all about dropping under the (bar) and getting your elbows up.”

As she prepared for the state meet, Anderson lifted twice a day during the school week, and mixed in some weekend training sessions, as well. When she wasn’t lifting, Anderson could be found at basketball practice or working on homework.

“I don’t even know how I did that,” Anderson said about managing two sports simultaneously. “I just put my mind to it. I knew that since I wanted to play both sports, that’s just something I had to do.”

Garcia admired Anderson’s ability to keep her composure and juggle her busy schedule all season long.

“Even as tired as she was, she went with it,” the coach said. “Sometimes, she would come to practice, looking at me, and I’d say, ‘Take 15 minutes. Have a little snack, regroup and get your mind set.’ The hard work she put into it paid off.”

Anderson credits Garcia for her development since joining the team as a sophomore, when she could barely clean-and-jerk 100 pounds due to spotty fundamentals.

“She taught me all I know about weightlifting,” Anderson said about Garcia’s influence on her success. “She’s pushed me. She’s really caring, and she knows how to win. She knows what workouts to do, and she knows how to teach good technique.”

Sunlake High’s Brianna Anderson won first place in the 183-pound division in the Class 2A Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Girls Weightlifting Championships. She recorded a 165-pound bench press and a 220-pound clean-and-jerk for a 385-pound total.
Sunlake High’s Brianna Anderson won first place in the 183-pound division in the Class 2A Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Girls Weightlifting Championships. She recorded a 165-pound bench press and a 220-pound clean-and-jerk for a 385-pound total.

For Garcia, replacing Anderson’s combination of production and leadership will be a tall task, as the decorated senior leaves behind a legacy similar to former Sunlake weightlifter Alexandra Ruiz, who won a state weightlifting title in 2013 at 119 pounds.

“Brianna is one of those student-athletes that you don’t get all the time,” explained Garcia, who’s in her 10th season coaching at Sunlake. “She’s so good, and everybody loves (her). She’s well-liked and respected by everyone — teachers, administration, peers — and she’s a leader.”

Garcia hopes someone on the roster can step up and become a leader for next season.

“Every year, you have girls that will come up to the plate, just like Brianna and Alex Ruiz did,” Garcia said. “I’m sure there’ll be someone else.”

Perhaps that girl is junior Hailey Parks, who finished in fourth place in the 169-pound division at the state championships.

The three weightlifters who bested her 335-pound total—Navarre’s Olivia Brahms and Hanna Vernetti, and Lake Mary’s Courtney Coyle—are all seniors, pegging Parks as a likely favorite in 2017.

Garcia believes a state title for Parks is within reach, as long as “she’s willing to put the work in.”

“It all depends on (her) work ethic,” the weightlifting coach explained. “She needs to challenge herself every meet, set goals and not worry about whatever another girl is lifting.

“I know she can. It’s about her wanting to do it,” Garcia said.

Published February 24, 2016

Zephyrhills High gets new football coach

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One of the challenges that will face Nick Carroll as the new head coach at Zephyrhills High will be to lead a program that’s been in the midst of turmoil.

The team was successful in the win-loss column, but its former coach was replaced after a report surfaced about an on-campus sex scandal implicating some members of the football team.

According to a Zephyrhills Police report, the alleged sexual assault occurred on Sept. 1, and involved one female and several members of the football team after class hours on school property.

On Oct. 20, the female dropped the case after having difficulty remembering details regarding the incident, records show.

Nick Carroll recently was named the new football coach at Zephyrhills High School. He is pictured with his wife, Jill, and two sons Zacary, left and Maison, right. (Courtesy of Nick Carroll)
Nick Carroll recently was named the new football coach at Zephyrhills High School. He is pictured with his wife, Jill, and two sons Zacary, left and Maison, right.
(Courtesy of Nick Carroll)

On Dec. 18, the case was closed after the Dade City State Attorney’s Office recommended no petition be filed because “the facts and circumstances do not warrant further prosecution,” records show.

Carroll, who graduated from Zephyrhills High, replaces Reggie Roberts, who amassed a solid 39-23 record in six seasons, including an 8-3 mark in 2015.

Carroll is excited about his first-time head coaching gig, which happens to be at his alma mater.

“It’s a great feeling, because I used to walk these hallways, and I used to walk into the same locker room,” said Carroll, who was a member of the school’s 1996-97 playoff team. “I can still imagine all the great times that we had.”

Prior to his current appointment, Carroll was as an assistant coach at Sunlake High for nine years.

Working under Sunlake head coach Bill Browning, Carroll was responsible for coaching defensive backs, wide receivers and special teams.

After “paying his dues” at Sunlake, Coach Browning feels Carroll is well-suited to lead the Zephyrhills football program.

“He’s a knowledgeable coach,” Browning said. “He has a passion for the game, and he works very well with the student-athletes.”

Also working in Carroll’s favor is his understanding of the “makeup of the Zephyrhills community,” Browning added.

However, the challenge of appeasing the football-crazed community won’t be an easy task, especially since Carroll is replacing a beloved coach in Roberts.

For Carroll, there’s pressure to be successful immediately – to silence doubters.

“Zephyrhills is notorious for having good football teams; you’ve got to win games,” said Carroll, who played college football at Mayville State University in North Dakota. “I take that as a great goal for me. …We’re going to do things…in a positive way, to where we can get the kids to play the best game possible.”

Since taking over on Feb. 9, Carroll has a lot on his plate. He’s currently juggling his duties as the school’s physical education teacher and the implementation of his football program.

In between classes, Carroll has been meeting with current members of the football team, analyzing last year’s game film and filling out his coaching staff.

“I’m taking it one day at a time,” he said. “I’m working my way around, trying to make relationships with these (players). I’m waiting until I get my staff in place until I have an actual players’ meeting. …That way we can get going in the weight room.”

Carroll has already spoken extensively with the team’s top returning player in running back Antwione Sims, who rushed for 2,093 yards in 2015, setting a single-season record for his team.

The prospect of utilizing Sims’ talent intrigues Carroll as he deliberates what type of offense he wants to construct for the 2016 season.

“He’s a great running back. He’s very determined,” Carroll said about the 5-foot-11, 196-pound rising senior. “If you watch him on film, his feet are always moving. His legs are real thick, and as the game progresses, (defenders) start to fall off his legs.

“He’s a very hard runner,” he said.

The opposite side of the ball won’t lack for playmakers either, as rising junior Zander Lemay and rising senior Brett Lemay will anchor a stout defensive line.

While ZHS returns a solid crop of playmakers, Carroll must find a way to replace several key seniors from last year’s squad, including wide receiver Jackie Tucker, offensive linemen Austin Larkin and Jonah Thomas, and linebackers Artonyo Lee and Kevin Lee.

The departure of several players will force the newly minted head coach to rely on youth in his first season.

“There’s a lot of young guys that are ninth and tenth graders that are going to play integral roles in the development of this team,” he said. “We’ve got to get these kids to believe.”

The development process starts with offseason workouts, Carroll said.

“The weight room is a huge, huge part of building success,” he said. “Discipline is a huge part of that, and making sure the kids are held accountable.

“That’s very important to me.”

Published February 17, 2016

Land O’ Lakes coach notches 400th win

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Land O’ Lakes boys basketball coach Dave Puhlaski got his 400th career win when the Gators defeated Sunlake High 76-40 on Feb. 3.

Many expected the longtime coach to reach the milestone on Jan. 29, when his team held a sizeable 20-point halftime lead over River Ridge, but the Gators collapsed and ultimately lost in overtime, 57-55.

Land O’ Lakes boys basketball coach Dave Puhlaski won his 400th career game on Feb. 3. He’s been coaching at the school for 27 years. (Courtesy of Ted Poore)
Land O’ Lakes boys basketball coach Dave Puhlaski won his 400th career game on Feb. 3. He’s been coaching at the school for 27 years.
(Courtesy of Tedd Poore)

“I thought we might get it then and could focus on the district (tournament) totally, but it didn’t work out,” said Puhlaski, who’s in his 27th season as head coach at Land O’ Lakes.

While a 400th win is an impressive coaching milestone, Puhlaski deflected credit for his accomplishment —instead praising his players, assistant coaches and his wife, Erika.

“It’s just been the combination of a lot of good players over a lot of years and a lot of good assistant coaches,” he said. “And, my wife — she’s been at every win and every loss — she’s been an integral part of it.

“It just means I’ve been around for a long time,” he added.

While Land O’ Lakes (14-9) enjoyed a 36-point victory over Sunlake (0-17), the Gators trailed 15-12 at the end of the first quarter in the Class 6A, District 8 semifinal.

“We were trying to do too much in the first quarter,” said senior guard Taddeus Dixon. “The team just came together and said, ‘We have to (work) together and not individually.’”

Puhlaski said both defensive breakdowns and turnovers were to blame for the early deficit against an overmatched Sunlake squad.

“They hit a few shots on us, and usually we try to live off our defense, but we weren’t collapsing or pushing the ball to the middle of the floor,” he explained. “We were not gelling.”

After the initial back-and-forth, the Gators pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Seahawks by a 39-15 combined margin in the third and fourth quarter.

“It felt really good for the whole team,” Dixon said about the win and his coach’s milestone. “We always say it’s never over ‘til it’s over.”

Land O’ Lakes athletic director Karen Coss said Puhlaksi’s 400th career win “definitely shows his dedication and his commitment to the school.

“That is one heck of a milestone, that’s for sure,” Coss said.

Puhlaski’s success over the years also can be attributed to his passion and his ability to motivate, said Tedd Poore, who’s had three sons — Max, Jake and Nick — coached by Puhlaski.

“Everybody ‘s real excited for Dave. He’s been an institution in this community for over 20 years,” Poore said. “A lot of kids have come through his program, and he’s been instrumental in advising and guiding boys when they needed it the most.

“He really cares.”

Puhlaski didn’t say how much longer he plans to coach at Land O’ Lakes, but there’s some indication he may stick around at least until his son David Jr., who’s a sophomore, graduates from the school.

Coaches in Pasco County serve on annual contracts, but Coss said she doesn’t foresee any changes occurring with Puhlaski’s role with the program “as long as he’s teaching (physical education) here and wanting to coach here.”

Prior to being named the Land O’ Lakes head coach in 1989, Puhlaski served as an assistant at Ocala Vanguard for three seasons. That was followed by a one-year stint as an assistant at the University of Tampa.

Published February 10, 2016

Pasco seeks to fill hundreds of teaching jobs

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If you’re looking for a teaching job, Pasco County Schools would love to hear from you.

The district has teacher openings in language arts, math, science, social studies and special education areas. It also needs school psychologists, school social workers, and school counselors.

The district expects to fill more than 400 vacancies for the 2016-2017 school year, including some positions that will be filled immediately, said Christine Pejot, human resources director for Pasco County Schools.

Christine Pejot
Christine Pejot

“We’re really excited because this is the earliest we’ve started recruitment for the following school year in quite awhile,” Pejot said.

The job fair will be on Feb. 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the gymnasium at Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The district plans to advertise its openings Feb. 19 through Feb. 23, so that will give people a specific idea of what’s out there and available, and what principals are going to be looking for at the fair, Pejot said.

Potential applicants have the opportunity to register early, and some interviews will be conducted during the fair, Pejot said.

“We also expect a lot of students who are in their final internships at the colleges of education, that are looking for an appointment that would begin in August,” she said.

Having the job fair early puts the district in a better position to compete for available candidates, she said.

“Our certification people are going to be on hand in order to vet people in terms of certification,” Pejot said.

Pejot said the district is able to hold the job fair earlier this year than it has in recent years, because it instituted an Intent to Return process very early this year, helping the district to have a better picture of its staffing needs. It also has been able to take a look at how retirements will affect openings.

“It’s just more strategic planning on our part, and knowing that the staffing and recruitment needed to be prioritized and talked about at the same time that we were doing things like budget and allocations this year,” Pejot said.

“We are always looking for employees in the critical shortage areas, like math and secondary science.

“In fact, for those particular areas, you don’t already have to be a teacher. We are looking for people who already hold degrees in those special areas. We also have a district sponsored PDPC program. It stands for Professional Development Certification Program, where folks who hold bachelor’s degrees in those target areas can do a cross walk into teaching.”

“We have a very robust PDPC program,” she said. “It is actually the model for several other programs throughout the state.”

Thirty-six schools are planning to attend, at all levels, including Pasco e-school and adult programs, with schools from throughout the district represented.

The schools will have tables situated throughout Sunlake’s gymnasium, and applicants will be able to head to schools they are interested in.

While the job fair is scheduled for two hours, it could go longer, if organizers sense there’s a need to extend the time.

People who are interested in becoming substitutes can also get more information at a table designated for substitute teachers.

The district’s salaries are competitive and it offers a generous benefits package, Pejot said.

For more information, visit PascoSchools.org, and click on the job fair banner at the top of the page.

To register, visit PascoSchools.org\HR.

Published February 10, 2016

 

Sunlake sends four to state weightlifting meet

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The move to a more competitive division this season hasn’t fazed the top members of the Sunlake Seahawks girls weightlifting team.

They’ve embraced the challenge of moving from Class 1A to Class 2A.

Juniors Hayley Parks (169-pound weight class) and Caroline Winstead (139), and seniors Brianna Anderson (183) and Ajani Bell (unlimited) each will compete in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Class 2A Girls Weightlifting Finals on Feb. 6 in Kissimmee.

From left, Sunlake’s Brianna Anderson, Ajani Bell, Caroline Winstead, Katelyn Veddern and Hayley Parks recently competed in the Class 2A-Region 7 Girls Weightlifting Meet at Charlotte High on Jan. 20. Anderson, Bell, Winstead and Parks advanced to the Class 2A Girls Weightlifting Finals on Feb. 6 in Kissimmee. (Courtesy of Denise Garcia)
From left, Sunlake’s Brianna Anderson, Ajani Bell, Caroline Winstead, Katelyn Veddern and Hayley Parks recently competed in the Class 2A-Region 7 Girls Weightlifting Meet at Charlotte High on Jan. 20. Anderson, Bell, Winstead and Parks advanced to the Class 2A Girls Weightlifting Finals on Feb. 6 in Kissimmee.
(Courtesy of Denise Garcia)

Parks, Winstead and Anderson all claimed individual titles in the Class 2A-Region 7 meet at Charlotte High on Jan. 20. Bell finished second in her weight class at the regional.

Anderson led the way for the Seahawks with a combined total of 375 pounds from the bench press and clean-and-jerk, followed by Bell (330), Parks (325) and Winstead (285).

Seahawks head coach Denise Garcia wasn’t the least bit surprised by the results.

“I knew if they hit their (bench press) lifts and clean-and-jerk that it was going to happen,” Garcia said. “They all have good work ethics. It comes from their desire; they’re passionate and they’re dedicated.”

Part of that dedication includes following proper practice habits, healthy eating and getting plenty of rest.

Having the “right frame of mind” and “lifting with confidence” are other factors in the girls’ achievements, Garcia said.

In advance of the state finals, Garcia has kept track of weightlifting results of competitors from other schools to use as a benchmark for her squad.

“You have to see what everybody else is doing to see where you should go, knowing, ‘This girl does this or this girl does that,’” she said. “You kind of have to do your homework to set goals.”

Out of the 10 different weight classes at the state meet, each class will feature 20 individuals. Based on qualifying results, Anderson is ranked No.1, Parks is ranked No. 5, Bell is No. 13 and Winstead is No. 20 in each of their respective weight classes.

“I’m hoping they’ll all do better than where they’re (currently) at,” Garcia said about the girls’ bench press and clean-and-jerk results. “The competition is very hard.”

Garcia’s motto for each weightlifter is “be better the next day.”

In preparation for the looming event, Garcia said practices have been “much more intense.”

While practices aren’t necessarily longer, there’s more of a “sense of urgency in the weight room, with a focus on lifting shorter reps of heavier weights,” the coach said.

After the conclusion of the state meet, Garcia said the team is taking a two-to-three week break before hitting the weight room again for the 2016-2017 season.

Due to FHSAA bylaws, the Seahawks coach won’t be able to provide training during the sport’s offseason months.

However, Garcia said Sunlake’s more experienced weightlifters will help guide the team’s underclassman along during open gym sessions.

“They know what they’re doing. They know it’s a year-round sport, and that goes to any sport,” Garcia said. “It’s not something you can just pick up and go, ‘OK, I think I want to be competitive, but I haven’t done it in eight months.’ You just can’t do that.”

Published February 3, 2016 

Sunlake’s Hrenko sets national mark for shutouts

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A lack of height isn’t an issue for Sunlake High soccer phenom Danny Hrenko.

The 5-foot-10 Hrenko, a senior goalkeeper on the Sunlake Seahawks soccer team, achieved his 75th shutout on Dec. 14, setting a new national career record for the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations).

“Once I broke the record, it was definitely a good feeling,” said Hrenko, who has started as Sunlake’s varsity keeper since his freshman year. “I definitely felt a huge sense of accomplishment over my last four years here playing high school soccer.”

Sam Koleduk, head Seahawks soccer coach, put the accomplishment in context.

Sunlake High goalkeeper Danny Hrenko set the national career shutout record on Dec. 14. (Courtesy of Sam Koleduk)
Sunlake High goalkeeper Danny Hrenko set the national career shutout record on Dec. 14.
(Courtesy of Sam Koleduk)

“You’ve got to look at the record, and if you put it into perspective, he’s going to average over 20 shutouts a season, which is quite remarkable. I think it’s the biggest accomplishment in probably Pasco County soccer history and, probably, in the state of Florida.”

Thomas Gallagher, who played at St. Louis Christian Brothers College High School in Missouri, set the previous record of 74 career shutouts in 1997.

Interestingly, Hrenko had “no idea” how close to the shutout record he was before the start of the 2015 season, until someone gave him the heads-up, so he could keep track of the statistic.

“At the beginning of the season, I was made aware of it, and I started counting down game after game, ‘only 12 more, only 4 more,’ or whatever it was,” he said.

With a significant chunk of the season remaining in both the regular season and postseason, Hrenko has an opportunity to put the longstanding record even more out of reach for high school goalkeepers across the nation.

“He’s not only going to break the record, but he’s probably going to shatter it by 10 or 12 by the end of the season,” his head coach said. “I think it’s pretty remarkable.”

Hrenko, who has played soccer since age 3, has only been a goalkeeper for the past seven years. The position change happened by accident after he tried it out one day in practice and quickly realized he had a knack for it.

With additional instruction from Koleduk and Tampa Rangers coach Mike Connell, Hrenko was able to take his goalkeeping production to new heights by improving his footwork, leaping ability and overall comprehension of the game.

“I got the proper training and the proper coaching, and everyone was behind me,” said Hrenko, who used to be a midfielder. “And, I definitely worked on being the best I could be at my position.”

Also, not having an interest in playing other sports like football or baseball allowed Hrenko to put all of his focus on soccer, where the additional experience allowed him to develop his skillset even more.

“Playing so many games for high school, playing so many games for club and training all the time, it definitely has added another dynamic to my game,” said Hrenko, who has played in more than 100 high school soccer games.

While his natural athleticism allows him to be a physical presence in front of the net, it’s Hrenko’s leadership skills on the field that really stand out, whether it’s organizing the team’s defensive structure or giving his teammates direction during a game.

“It’s like having a coach on the field,” said Koleduk, praising his standout goalie. “He basically instructs everybody where to be… like if a kid makes a couple of bad passes, he’ll get up to him and talk to him. And, he does it in a good manner. He’ll get up and explain what his teammates are doing wrong, even during the game he’ll do it, and I think the kids appreciate that.”

Hrenko’s consistency and eye-popping statistics over the past four years have drawn the interest of several Division II, Division III and NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) college soccer programs. However, he has yet to land a coveted Division I offer from a major university.

Both Hrenko and Koleduk agree that the main reason Division I programs haven’t called yet is because he’s less than 6-feet tall.

“I’d say it’s 100 percent his height,” Koleduk explained. “And, in his case, it doesn’t matter. It’s almost like an NFL quarterback like Drew Brees or someone that’s kind of shorter. There are certain guys that can do it and some that can’t. But, for some reason, a lot of the DI coaches want somebody that’s 6-foot-4 or 6-(foot)-5.”

“Not (being) tall enough is one of the main things, but I don’t let that get me down,” Hrenko said about the absence of Division 1 offers. “I try to play to the best of my ability, and I try to showcase myself in the best manner possible. I’ll just do my best and hope for the best. That’s all I can do.”

While the soccer player hasn’t received a Division 1 offer yet, Koleduk believes there is still a good chance one will come Hrenko’s way, possibly by March or April.

“Soccer’s a weird thing for scholarships,” Koleduk explained. “Even for the best field players…so much of it is done last minute because it’s not like (college) football where (programs) just have tons of offers and scholarship money. So, for soccer it’s a little bit more difficult; you’ve got to kind of wait it out a little bit.

“I think by the time it’s said and done, someone’s going to offer him that’s not scared of the height issue,” the coach said.

While Hrenko is proud of his individual accomplishments, he said the “ultimate goal” this season is to win a state championship with his team come February. The Seahawks have reached the state semifinals in the playoffs three consecutive years, falling short to the eventual state champion on each occasion.

Coach Koleduk noted this year’s Seahawks squad doesn’t have quite as many “superstars” as the past years, but the players have better cohesion and chemistry as a unit on the field.

“I think this year we’re maybe not as strong as we were last year, but I think we’re a better team,” Koleduk said. “We play better together.”

His senior captain agreed.

“This year, I think we have more camaraderie, more teamwork, more understanding of each other,” Hrenko said. “They’ve all been great squads over the past four years, but I think this squad has something special.”

Published January 6, 2016

 

Anderson lifts Sunlake’s girls weightlifting

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Buoyed by the performance of senior Brianna Anderson, the Sunlake Seahawks girls wrestling team has been on a tear of late.

The Seahawks most recently placed first (out of six teams) in the Eastside Girls Weightlifting Tournament at Zephyrhills High School on Dec. 16.

Competing in the 183-pound weight class, Anderson recorded a 160-pound bench press, and maxed out a 195-pound clean-and-jerk for a 355 total, a tournament best.

While Anderson didn’t reach her goal of a 225-pound clean-and-jerk, she still felt comfortable with her performance.

“I was pretty confident, I guess,” she said about her results. “I knew if I (completed) all of my benches, and my first clean-and-jerk, I was going to get first (place).”

Several teams from the Eastside tournament go through bench press warm-up drills. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)
Several teams from the Eastside tournament go through bench press warm-up drills.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

A relative newcomer to the sport, Anderson showed an interest in weightlifting as a high school sophomore, hoping to become more physically active to boost her athleticism for basketball and track.

She proved to be a natural in her first year competing, reaching the 2013-2014 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Girls Weightlifting Finals, placing 19th overall in the 199-pound weight class.

As a junior last year, Anderson became more focused on improving her weightlifting totals. She altered her diet and spent more time on proper weightlifting technique, utilizing the expertise of Sunlake High head coach Denise Garcia.

The extra dedication paved the way for Anderson to drop to a lower weight class (183) and enhance her strength enough to place third in the 2014-2015 finals.

“The most improvement I would have to say is clean-and-jerk as far as my technique and going up in my max,” Anderson said. “My favorite is the clean-and-jerk, so for the bench (press) I just try my hardest. My lower body is stronger than my upper body.”

Coach Garcia commended Anderson’s work ethic and believes she has a great chance to win a state title in February.

“I’m hoping that she continues to go up and get that gap, because there’s other girls that are great up there, but with her passion and her wanting it, I know she’ll be on top.”

For Anderson and her Sunlake High teammates, the overall goal is to perform better at the FHSAA State Finals on Feb. 5 in Kissimmee, where the group finished 12th last year.

Before they can look ahead to the state championships, they must first compete in a district qualifier on Jan. 13 at Mitchell High School in New Port Richey. The district meet will determine qualifiers for the 2016 Girls Weightlifting regional meet on Jan. 20 at Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda, which then determines who qualifies for the state finals.

Garcia believes this year’s group, which features 22 members, is unique because of their overall “commitment and dedication.” She also noted the team’s camaraderie.

“They listen, and they’re coachable,” said Garcia, who’s been coaching girl’s weightlifting at Sunlake High for 10 years. “They’re always working on their personal bests, and there’s no drama.

“They’re all great kids.”

Coaching weightlifting is sometimes a logistical challenge for Garcia, who was to divvy up one-on-one coaching among 22 pupils.

Garcia is typically forced to organize her practice schedule around other sports the girls compete in, such as cheerleading and basketball. Practices are usually held for two hours every weekday (and sometimes weekends), with a focus on strengthening different muscle groups.

For girls that are novices to competitive weightlifting, Coach Garcia said the key is to focus on proper technique and not necessarily how much weight is being lifted.

“It’s always about technique first,” Garcia said. Don’t worry about what the other person is doing. If 55 (pounds) is all you can do, it better be the best 55 (pounds) technically, because if not, you’re going to hurt yourself.”

While Coach Garcia’s team isn’t as large as others she’s had in the past, she’s optimistic about the sport’s future growth, which she attributes in part to the popularity of CrossFit.

“The girls are getting more exposed to it,” she explained. “CrossFit is big, so it’s (transitioning girls) into weightlifting. It’s not just a boy’s sport. The girls are coming in and doing it well.”

Anderson, who plans to join the U.S. Naval Academy after she graduates high school, credits Coach Garcia for her marked improvement over the past three seasons.

“She got me when I couldn’t even clean-and-jerk 100 pounds,” she said. “And now, I can do 200.”

Published January 6, 2016