The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Sunlake High School

Pasco embarks on new type of high school

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The Pasco County school district is planning a new magnet high school that doesn’t fit the traditional mold.

It will combine a rigorous curriculum along with technical skills training — and will seek community partnerships to give students real-world experiences, said Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools.

Coming up with a name for the school is a little bit tricky, Gadd said.

Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools, talks about a new high school the district plans to open in 2022 that will combine opportunities for mastering academics and technical skills. (B.C. Manion)

The idea is to prepare students to have many options when they leave high school — whether, say, they want to work as a welder for someone else; or, they want to have their own welding business.

While the district invites public suggestions to help it come up with a name for the school, it is proceeding with the school’s design.

The magnet school will be built at Curley and Keifer roads, in Wesley Chapel, on the former Kirkland Ranch property. The school is being built to accommodate 900 students, but is designed for expansion, if there’s a larger demand.

Students are expected to come primarily come from Zephyrhills, Wiregrass Ranch, Cypress Creek, Wesley Chapel and Pasco high schools, but also might come from as far away as Sunlake and Land O’ Lakes high schools.

The planned opening date is fall of 2022, and the school may begin operations with just a freshman class, or perhaps freshman and sophomore classes, Gadd said.

The district wants to give the school some time to develop its own community and to build its brand, he explained.

As time goes on, the school wants to become increasingly involved in the community and for the community to be increasingly involved in the school, the deputy superintendent said.

For instance, the district also has begun having conversations with people who have various types of expertise.

Sometimes those conversations may yield helpful suggestions for refining the curriculum; other times, they may lead to partnerships that support programs, or provide real-world opportunities for students, Gadd said.

The leadership at this school will likely be different, too. Rather than a principal and assistant principal, it’s likely to have leaders who spend part of their time on campus and part of their time out in the community, he said.

The interactions that can result can yield many new opportunities, he explained.

Program plans for the school include academies for business, finance and marketing; digital technology; engineering technology; health science and human services; transportation technology; and, building technology. The school will serve grades nine through 12, and will offer industry certification in high-demand career fields.

There also will be post-secondary education programs offered after-hours, Gadd said.

The deputy superintendent said the new school will be a departure from tradition, but he said he thinks that is what parents want for their children.

“I’m a big advocate in not building the same old high schools, the same old middle schools and the same old elementary schools. I’d like to see that campus someday represent the market, so to speak.

“Parents are asking us for something other than the traditional cookie-cutter school,” he said.

Have an idea for this school’s name?
Pasco County School Board policy encourages community members, educators and students to provide suggestions for school names. The board has the final say. Suggested names should be accompanied by a brief explanation. Email submissions to , with the subject line “school name,” or fax them to (813) 794-2716.

Understanding Gen Z*

  • Have never known a non-digital world
  • Make up 32 percent of the 7.7 billion global population
  • Use Smartphones 15.4 hours a week
  • Respond best to short, visual marketing strategies

Understanding the job market

  • 47 percent of current middle-class jobs in the United States are at risk of being replaced by automation over the next 20 years
  • 85 percent of the jobs that will exist in 2030 have not yet been invented

Sharing the school’s goals

  • Prepare students for success
  • Enhance the high school experience
  • Inspire innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Simulate real-world experiences
  • Foster mentorship and community connections

*Gen Z are those born in 1995 or later

Source: HepnerArchitects/CanonDesign

Published July 24, 2019

Area softball players among best in state

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The high school softball season has come and gone, but local athletes are still picking up accolades from their 2019 campaigns.

Land O’ Lakes senior pitcher Callie Turner was named Class 6A Defensive Player of the Year. (File)

The 2019 Miracle Sports All-State teams were released last month honoring the top players in Florida — and area players were well-represented.

Sixteen athletes from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were recognized, either as first-team, second-team or honorable mention.

Predictably, the back-to-back Class 2A state champion Academy at the Lakes Wildcats garnered the most representatives from the area among all classifications, with a total of seven selections in Class 2A.

That included Wildcats senior pitcher/first baseman Lexi Kilfoyl, who was named Class 2A Player of the Year/first-team All-State.

In the circle, Kilfoyl went 23-1, posting a 0.32 earned run average and 249 strikeouts in 154 innings pitched, with opposing batters hitting a mere .097 against her. At the plate, Kilfoyl led the Wildcats in batting average (.482) and RBIs (35), along with five home runs, nine doubles and 41 hits.

Academy at the Lakes Wildcats had seven All-State softball selections, including Class 2A Player of Year Lexi Kilfoyl. The Wildcats (19-7) won the Class 2A state title for the second straight year. (Courtesy of Academy at the Lakes Athletics)

Other Wildcats on the first-team included junior Jessica Mott, sophomores Devyne Davis, Vanessa Alexander, Caitlin Blankenship, and freshman Hannah Church; seventh-grader Mia Fields was a second-team choice. Additionally, Wildcats coach Diane Stephenson was named Class 2A Coach of the Year, for the second straight year.

The Wildcats finished the season with a 19-7 record, defeating Mount Dora Christian Academy 11-0 in the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) Class 2A state finals on May 22 in Vero Beach.

Academy at the Lakes wasn’t the only Land O’ Lakes-based school well-represented on the All-State team.

In Class 7A, the Sunlake High Seahawks, who finished the season with a 24-3 mark and won its first-ever district crown, garnered six All-State picks.

Most notably was sophomore shortstop/catcher Jenna Lord, who was named Class 7A Offensive Player of the Year/first team All-State. Lord posted a .542 batting average, 13 home runs and 46 RBIs in 83 at-bats.

The Sunlake High Seahawks garnered six All-State softball selections, including Class 7A Offensive Player of the Year Jenna Lord. The Seahawks (24-3) claimed their first district crown this past season. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School Athletics)

Seahawks sophomore Kendra Falby and senior Alexis Duff joined Lord on the first-team, while junior Daisy McQuain and senior Paige Maseda were second-teamers, and senior Shea Forgas an honorable mention.

In Class 6A, the Land O’ Lakes High Gators had two first-team All-State selections, in senior pitcher Callie Turner and senior outfielder Shelby Westbrook. Turner was also named Class 6A Defensive Player of the Year.

The Gators went 22-6 and reached the regional quarterfinals.

Elsewhere, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High senior pitcher/utility Savannah Lee was named Class 3A second team All-State.

There were no All-State representatives in our coverage area from Classes 9A, 8A, 5A, 4A or 1A.

2019 Miracle Sports All-State teams
Class 7A
Offensive Player of the Year: Jenna Lord, Sunlake, sophomore (first team)

Kendra Falby, Sunlake, sophomore (first team)

Alexis Duff, Sunlake, sophomore (first team)

Daisy McQuain, Sunlake, junior (second team)

Paige Maseda, Sunlake, senior (second team)

Shea Forgas, Sunlake, senior (honorable mention)

Class 6A
Defensive Player of the Year: Callie Turner, Land O’ Lakes, senior (first team)

Shelby Westbrook, Land O’ Lakes, senior (first team)

Class 3A
Savannah Lee, Bishop McLaughlin, senior (second team)

Class 2A
Coach of the Year: Diane Stephenson, Academy at the Lakes

Player of the Year: Lexi Kilfoyl, Academy at the Lakes, senior (first team)

Hannah Church, Academy at the Lakes, freshman (first team)

Jessica Mott, Academy at the Lakes, junior (first team)

Devyne Davis, Academy at the Lakes, sophomore (first team)

Vanessa Alexander, Academy at the Lakes, sophomore (first team)

Caitlin Blankenship, Academy at the Lakes, sophomore (first team)

Mia Fields, Academy at the Lakes, seventh grade (second team)

2019 Miracle Sports final team rankings
Class 7A
Fifth — Sunlake (24-3)

Class 6A
Honorable mention —  Land O’ Lakes (22-6), Wesley Chapel (15-7)

Class 2A
First — Academy at the Lakes (19-7, state champion)

Published July 10, 2019

David Weekley Opens New Grenada Model At Bexley

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David Weekley Homes is celebrating the introduction of its new Manor Home Series with the opening of its Grenada model in Bexley, a Newland community located in Land O’ Lakes along the in-demand State Road 54 corridor.

This is Weekley’s third model home in Bexley, and the latest to open. This beautiful home showcases an open-concept layout on the first floor, with spacious kitchen, dining and living areas, an office/den, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 3-car garage. On the second floor are a large bonus room and half bath. The home has a total of 2,938 square feet.

The Grenada showcases an open-concept layout on the first floor.

“This is one of our most innovative new floor plans,” said Jennifer Cole, senior marketing director for David Weekley Homes in Tampa. “Buyers love the openness and convenience of first floor living, and the bonus room on the second floor gives families a getaway space for teens and hobbies.”

The Grenada’s gourmet kitchen is open and airy with loads of soft close cabinets, features an oven and microwave combination, a gas range and stylish wood hood, and wine cooler off the dining room. A large quartz island dramatically separates the kitchen from the formal dining room and family room.

The Owner’s Retreat has large windows overlooking the pool with breathtaking, long views of wetlands, cypress trees and wilderness. The spa-like bathroom has a freestanding modern tub and oversized, open shower designed for two. The walk-in closet is as large as a small bedroom, with built-in shelves and space that extends under the stairwell.

The Grenada is one of seven floor plans available in the Manor Series, which range from 2,537to 3,783square feet in one- and two-story floor plans, all with 3-car garages. Homes in the Manor Series are built on 70-foot lots — some of the largest in Bexley — with most backing up to wetlands and protected conservation areas.

The Grenada’s gourmet kitchen is open and airy with loads of soft close cabinets.

Two inventory homes are currently being built — the Boulevard and Beckwith. Both will be completed before the start of the 2019-20 school year.

“If you’re looking for a new home before the new school year begins, look no farther than our Manor Series of homes in Bexley and its top-rated schools,” said Cole. Bexley families attend Bexley Elementary, located inside the community, and Charles S. Rushe Middle and Sunlake High schools, and located less than two miles away.

At 3,197 square feet, the Boulevard home under construction is another one-story plan. Its open-concept plan features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, office/study and a unique retreat that’s perfect as a playroom or hobby area. From the home’s stunning entry, one can see to the back of the home into the oversized backyard. The gourmet gas kitchen has stainless appliances, trendy farmhouse sink and classic white quartz countertops. The bath in the owner’s suite has a walk-in super shower, white cabinets, quartz countertop with double sinks, and a huge closet.

The second inventory home in the Manor Series is the award-winning Beckwith. This two-story plan, which features the master suite on the first floor, has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and 3-car garage. A beautiful foyer opens to the dining room on the left, and a study on right, with sight-lines to the back of the home.  Stunning RevWood  flooring is planned for throughout the first floor to give this home a rich character. The gourmet gas kitchen has spacious granite countertops, stainless appliances and stylish vent hood. The private owner’s suite includes a comfortable sitting area, with a bath that boasts a massive walk-in shower and huge walk-in closet. Upstairs the home has 3 bedrooms and bonus room.

Manor Series homes start from the $460s. David Weekly also offers the Cottage and Village Series in Bexley, which combined offer 10 floor plans ranging from 2,300 to 3,500 square feet built on 50- and 60-foot homesites. Each series has a beautifully furnished model home opened Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

David Weekley Homes is offering a 5 percent discount on all Quick Move-In Homes at Bexley that are contracted by July 31 during their Summer Savings Event. This discount can be applied toward the purchase price , closing costs, or toward an appliance package and blinds.

For more information about David Weekley Homes in Bexley and its Summer Savings Event, call (813) 422-6186, or go to DavidWeekleyHomes.com.

About Bexley

Bexley is an 1,800-acre, master-planned community that emphasizes pedestrian-friendly activities for outdoor fun among its 1,200 acres dedicated to open spaces. Over 10 miles of trails made by Avid Trails lead through preserves and wetlands, around ponds and lakes, and to pocket parks, a dog park and sports fields.

The community has award-winning amenities, including The Bexley Club with its fitness center, pools, and festival lawn for concerts and cookouts. Bexley also boasts a picturesque, lakeside clubhouse with a fully staffed bike shop and the full-service Twisted Sprocket Café, which is open for breakfast, lunch and happy hour.

Bexley is located next to the Suncoast Parkway, making it convenient to Tampa Regional Airport, Westshore business district, downtown Tampa and area beaches and attractions.

About David Weekley Homes

David Weekley Homes is the nation’s largest privately held builder and has closed more than 90,000 homes. It was founded in 1976, is headquartered in Houston and operates in 20 cities across the United States. It was the first builder in the United States to be awarded the Triple Crown of American Home Building, an honor which includes “America’s Best Builder,” “National Housing Quality Award” and “National Builder of the Year.” Weekley has also appeared 13 times on Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list.

Sunlake High turns in soaring performances

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Sunlake High School knows how to keep the energy level up — both on and off campus, with the help of its color guard, marching band and choir groups.

Whether twirling flags, playing instruments or singing — students from Sunlake have performed well regionally and even nationally.

Draped in school colors, the Land O’ Lakes Sunlake High marching band has taken its musical performances throughout Florida, and nationwide. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School Band’s Twitter page)

“We’re a very comprehensive program,” explained Brandon Slaughter, Sunlake’s band director. “Most of the time we perform at local high schools, in either their gyms [or] concert halls.”

The school has a marching band, a concert band, a choir, instrumental groups and a color guard.

And, while each group has independent rehearsals, they often come together to perform in shows, such as the Winter Showcase Concert.

The showcase typically is at the end of each year and lasts for about two hours – offering anywhere from 35 to 40 different acts.

The ensemble’s recognition has allowed them to entertain at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach and out of state at the University of Dayton, in Ohio, just to mention two.

In uniforms bearing the school’s colors — black, white, teal and gold — the marching band has made its mark, especially in the Southeastern United States.

The program recruits students with an interest in music and dance through word of mouth, and through directors speaking with local middle school students who are preparing to enter high school.

Parents help with recruitment, too, said Paul Champion, Sunlake’s choir director, noting they pass on the word to other parents.

When talking to parents about the program, Champion said he tells them that students who take part develop strong time management skills.

The emphasis on recruitment has resulted in an increase in participation, Champion said.

“The chorus here has grown greatly in numbers since two years ago,” Champion said, more than doubling in size.

The young women of Sunlake High School’s color guard recently won the silver medal at the 2019 Winter Guard International competition in Ohio.

Jonathan Bearint didn’t need to be persuaded to join the marching band.

His interest was first sparked back in fifth grade, as he watched his older sister perform shows at her school.

“As soon as I saw their first marching show on the football field, I decided I [wanted] to be a part of that,” the 11th-grader recalled.

As a French horn player, Bearint has helped set a precedent for his school’s band. His percussion class is a four-time champion for the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit competition.

“It set the record for winning the most consecutive championships for the state of Florida, which is absolutely incredible,” band director Slaughter noted. “Those kids work so hard competing.”

While Bearint is happy with the accolades of the percussion class, he said he is equally impressed by the cohesive nature of all the groups performing as one.

“I like how everyone comes together,” he said. “Everyone in their individual part just comes together and makes a bigger picture that everyone can enjoy.”

Sunlake junior, Nicole Boisson, also has seen the rewards of hard work and persistence.

As color guard captain, she has taken her team to the 2019 Winter Guard International competition in Ohio to become the silver medalist winners.

The 16-year-old was initially a part of the school band, but soon traded her marching uniform for another physical activity.

“I decided to try something new – spinning flags, spinning rifle(s) – and I just fell in love with it,” Boisson explained.

Although she often competes with other school teams, she said that it feels like they all belong in one family unit.

As this school semester comes to a close, the Sunlake ensemble already is preparing for the next.

They’ve started summer training, which includes a mini camp, and have their eyes set on the Bands of America Regional Championship in October.

Even in the midst of rehearsing, the ensemble remains open to new recruits.

“We welcome everybody,” Slaughter said. “Every time we start a new season, the most advanced student to the beginner all start with the same training. If we’re all starting in the same place, we’ll progress a little bit better going forward.”

The directors enjoy seeing their students succeed, but they also emphasize to them the importance of appreciating the art of what they do.

“I always say that I get to teach the best kids in the world,” Champion said. “It’s about developing and fostering a lifelong love for music.”

Published June 05, 2019

Pasco All-Conference spring awards announced

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High school coaches from the Pasco County School District recently announced the Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) All-Conference Teams, Athletes of the Year and Coaches of the Year, for the 2018-2019 spring sports season, which included baseball, lacrosse, softball, tennis, track & field, and weightlifting.

Selections were made for both the East and West division for all sports except lacrosse, which consisted of combined All-Conference teams.

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

Recipients within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

Spring sports (Boys)
All-Conference Boys Lacrosse
Team Champion: Wiregrass Ranch
Coach of the Year: TJ Fitzsimons, Wiregrass Ranch
Offensive Player of the Year: Nick Ferrini, Mitchell
Defensive Player of the Year: Mikel Macias, Sunlake

First Team All-Conference
Robbie Sinibaldi, Mitchell, junior

Ryan Farquhar, Wesley Chapel, junior

Ryan Furlong, Sunlake, junior

Jacob Schwarz, Sunlake, junior

Nick Ferrini, Mitchell, senior

Marc Ciccone, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore

Mikel Macias, Sunlake, senior

Alex Perugini, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Sam Saunders, Wesley Chapel, senior

Caleb Embry, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Second Team All-Conference
Payton Risinger, Mitchell, senior

Sean O’ Brien, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

Christopher Slay, Wesley Chapel, senior

Kyle Santiago, Wesley Chapel, senior

Jalen Seales, Sunlake, freshman

Josiah Barness, Sunlake, senior

Noah Midthun, Mitchell, junior

Donovan Passarello, Sunlake, sophomore

Jason Mazursky, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Honorable Mention
Marshall Mengel, Sunlake, senior
Aren Rosales, Wesley Chapel, senior
Colton Billett, Sunlake, junior

East All-Conference Baseball
Team Champion: Land O’ Lakes
Coach of the Year: Marshall McDougall, Wiregrass Ranch
Player of the Year: Nick Jennings, Land O’ Lakes

First Team All-Conference
Pitcher: Nick Jennings, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Catcher: Ray Camacho, Cypress Creek, senior

Infielder: Matt Snyder, Cypress Creek, junior

Infielder: Ethan Frasca, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Infielder: Dakota Harris, Land O’ Lakes, junior

Infielder: Nick Plaisted, Sunlake, junior

Outfielder: Austin Coultas, Wesley Chapel, sophomore

Outfielder: Peyton Petry, Cypress Creek, sophomore

Outfielder: Patrick Groark, Land O’ Lakes, junior

Utility/DH: Dawson Place, Sunlake, senior

Second Team All-Conference
Pitcher: Brian Holiday, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore

Catcher: Noah Johnson, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

Infielder: Ethan Petry, Cypress Creek, freshman

Infielder: Spencer Stephens, Land O’ Lakes, junior

Infielder: Bryce Braxton, Pasco, sophomore

Infielder: Robert Boser, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore

Outfielder: Chris Ferguson, Land O’ Lakes, junior

Outfielder: Zachary Showalter, Wesley Chapel, freshman

Outfielder: Arvind Latchana, Cypress Creek, freshman

Utility/DH: Nick Jennings, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Honorable Mention
Ricky Dunn, Zephyrhills, senior

The Wiregrass Ranch High boys tennis team captured its 10th straight district championship and eighth straight regional championship this season. (Courtesy of Wiregrass Ranch High School Athletics)

East All-Conference Boys Tennis
Team Champion: Wiregrass Ranch
Coach of the Year: Dave Wilson, Wiregrass Ranch
Player of the Year: Kanishkh Ramesh, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

First Team All-Conference
Kanishkh Ramesh, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

Jonathan Judy-Hansen, Zephyrhills, senior

Logan Haga, Pasco, sophomore

Destiny Okungbowa, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Caelen Arreola, Land O’ Lakes, junior

Second Team All-Conference
Adam Mansour, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore

Josh Abrams, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

Takashi Xu, Land O’ Lakes, junior

Ryan Kantor, Sunlake, junior

Jake Albrighton, Pasco, sophomore

Honorable Mention
Kai Penalosa, Cypress Creek, freshman
Dillon Kemble, Wesley Chapel, junior

The Sunlake High boys and girls track & field teams both captured conference and district titles during the 2018-2019 season. The boys program also won a regional title, while the girls finished regional runner-up. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School Athletics)

East All-Conference Boys Track & Field
Team Champion: Sunlake
Coach of the Year: Randal Reeves
Track Athlete of the Year: Donte Sol, Wesley Chapel
Field Athlete of the Year: Cartrell Strong, Zephyrhills

First Team All-Conference
4×800 relay: (Sunlake) Dominic Burleson, senior; Luke Scheid, junior; Cade Whitfield, sophomore, Ludcheel Colas, junior

110-meter hurdles: Brian Parker, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

100-meter dash: Cartrell Strong, Zephyrhills, senior

1600-meter run: Dominic Burleson, Sunlake, senior

4×100 relay: (Zephyrhills) Maguire Neal, freshman; Ja’Quan Sheppard, senior; Clayton Cornelius, sophomore; Cartrell Strong, senior

400-meter dash: Donte Sol, Wesley Chapel, senior

300-meter hurdles: Brian Parker, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

800-meter run: Luke Scheid, Sunlake, junior

200-meter dash: Donte Sol, Wesley Chapel, senior

3200-meter run: Dominic Burleson, Sunlake, senior

4×400 relay: (Sunlake) Issac Taveras, junior; Ludcheel Colas, junior; Cade Whitfield, sophomore; Luke Scheid, junior

Shot Put: Kasean Ridgel, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Pole Vault: Shayne Tenpow, Sunlake, senior

High Jump: Isaiah Burns, Wesley Chapel, sophomore

Long Jump: Jacquez Mobley, Pasco, senior

Triple Jump: Cartrell Strong, Zephyrhills, senior

Discus: Joey Perez, Sunlake, senior

Second Team All-Conference
4×800 relay: (Wiregrass Ranch) Alejandro Medina, senior; Alex Morales Ramos, junior; Sebastian Hernandez, sophomore; Anthony Dimarco, junior

110-meter hurdles: Abdullah Mbowe, Sunlake, senior

100-meter dash: Keith Walker, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

1600-meter run: Gavin Kennedy, Sunlake, junior

4×100 relay: (Wesley Chapel) Donte Sol, senior; Brandon Hitch, senior; Jelani Vassell, senior; J.T. Anderson, sophomore

400-meter dash: Alex Hayden, Wesley Chapel, junior

300-meter hurdles: Maguire Neal, Zephyrhills, freshman

800-meter run: Ludcheel Colas, Sunlake, junior

200-meter dash: Keith Walker, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

3200-meter run: Drew Knobl, Sunlake, junior

Shot Put: James Kirkley, Sunlake, senior

Pole Vault: Chandler Tucker, Land O’ Lakes, senior

High Jump: Gabriel Vazquez, Cypress Creek, senior; Michael Adeshina, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Long Jump: Ja’Quan Sheppard, Zephyrhills, senior

Triple Jump: Ja’Quan Sheppard, Zephyrhills, senior

Discus: Isaac Tavo, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore

The Zephyrhills High boys weightlifting team won both conference and district titles this season. They also finished regional runner-up. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills High School Athletics)

East All-Conference Boys Weightlifting
Team Champion: Zephyrhills
Coach of the Year: Chris Barrick, Zephyrhills
Athlete of the Year: Caleb Huff, Sunlake

First Team All-Conference
119 pounds: Caleb Huff, Sunlake, senior

129 pounds: Victor Velez, Sunlake, senior

139 pounds: Connor O’ Malley, Cypress Creek, senior

154 pounds: Wesley Colas, Sunlake, senior

169 pounds: Kevin Sacco, Land O’ Lakes, senior

183 pounds: Ja’varrius Wilson, Zephyrhills, junior

199 pounds: Samuel Bergeron, Zephyrhills, senior

219 pounds: Caleb Keeling, Zephyrhills, senior

238 pounds: Cameron Helms, Zephyrhills, senior

Heavyweight/Unlimited: Ethan Vest, Zephyrhills, senior

Second Team All-Conference
119 pounds: Garrett Ellison, Zephyrhills, senior

129 pounds: Alex Alvarez, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

139 pounds: Jerimiah Wolfe, Sunlake, senior

154 pounds: Alex Hall, Sunlake, senior

169 pounds: Andreas Portillo, Sunlake, sophomore

183 pounds: Kyle Leivas, Land O’ Lakes, senior

199 pounds: Kris Chandler, Wesley Chapel, senior

219 pounds: Ethan Forrester, Land O’ Lakes, junior

238 pounds: Corbin Doers, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Heavyweight/Unlimited: Kasean Ridgel, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Spring sports (Girls)

The Pasco High girls tennis team won conference and district titles this season, and reached the Class 3A-2 regional finals. (Courtesy of Pasco High School Athletics)

East All-Conference Girls Tennis
Team Champion: Pasco
Coach of the Year: Don Charlick
Player of the Year: Courtney Piltaver, Land O’ Lakes

First Team All-Conference
Sitara Sriram, Pasco, junior

Courtney Piltaver, Land O’ Lakes, junior

Phoebe Teo, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

Hope Johnson, Zephyrhills, senior

Alex Barath, Pasco, sophomore

Second Team All-Conference
Paige Johnson, Zephyrhills, senior

Regina Lugo, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

Mariel Camino, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore

Taylor Moore, Pasco, junior

Natalia Rivera, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore

East All-Conference Girls Track & Field
Team Champion: Sunlake
Coach of the Year: Brett Hodros, Sunlake
Track Athlete of the Year: Liina Winborn, Sunlake
Field Athlete of the Year: Lauryn Beacham, Sunlake

First Team All-Conference
4×800 relay: (Sunlake) Shannon Gordy, sophomore; Ashley Spires, sophomore; Emma Burleson, freshman; Justine Ruhlman, senior

100-meter hurdles: Allison Fleming, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

100-meter dash: Delcina Gillespie, Cypress Creek, junior

1600-meter run: Liina Winborn, Sunlake, junior

4×100 relay: (Sunlake) Nia Johnson, junior; Jaymonda Calmes, senior; Gianna Levy, junior; Hannah Kilmer, junior

400-meter dash: Gianna Levy, Sunlake, junior

300-meter hurdles: Allison Fleming, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

800-meter run: Liina Winborn, Sunlake, junior

200-meter dash: Gianna Levy, Sunlake, junior

3200-meter run: Natalie Abernathy, Land O’ Lakes, senior

4×400 relay: (Land O’ Lakes) Ashley Doers, junior; Lauren Bates, junior; Abigail Perez, junior; Lizzie Epps, freshman

Shot Put: Lauryn Beacham, Sunlake, senior

Pole Vault: Juliette Pacheco, Sunlake, junior

High Jump: Ondrasha Joel, Wiregrass Ranch, freshman

Long Jump: Gianna Levy, Sunlake, junior

Triple Jump: Jayda Forester, Sunlake, junior

Discus: Lauryn Beacham, Sunlake, senior

Second Team All-Conference
4×800 relay: (Wiregrass Ranch) Kate Moore, junior; Guadalupe Guerra, sophomore; Madelynn Abrahamasen, senior; Mya Hill, sophomore

100-meter hurdles: Kat Fleming, Wiregrass Ranch, freshman

100-meter dash: Zharia Wilson, Wesley Chapel, junior

1600-meter run: Natalie Abernathy, Land O’ Lakes, junior

4×100 relay: (Cypress Creek) Shaniqua Hicks, senior; Alyssa Pollicita, freshman; Ashleigh Lacey, sophomore; Delcina Gillespie, junior

400-meter dash: Lauren Bates, Land O’ Lakes, junior

300-meter hurdles: Hannah Kilmer, Sunlake, junior

800-meter run: Shannon Gordy, Sunlake, sophomore

200-meter dash: Nia Johnson, Sunlake, junior

3200-meter run: Estafania Acosta, Land O’ Lakes, senior

4×400 relay: (Wiregrass Ranch) Emily Beazley, senior; Dahlia Williams, freshman; Mya Hill, sophomore; Madelynn Abrahamasen, senior

Shot Put: Antoinette Farmer, Sunlake, junior

Pole Vault: Micala Jones, Sunlake, senior

High Jump: Emiliana Sorrell, Sunlake, junior

Long Jump: Ashleigh Lacey, Cypress Creek, sophomore

Triple Jump: Allison Fleming, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

Discus: Antoinette Farmer, Sunlake, junior

Honorable Mention
Journee Byrd, Pasco, senior
Jaydean Ireland, Zephyrhills, junior

The Sunlake High softball team won its first Sunshine Athletic Conference East title in program history this season. They went on to reach the Class 7A regional finals, ending the season with a 24-3 mark. (Courtesy of Sunlake High Athletics)

East All-Conference Softball
Team Champion: Sunlake
Coach of the Year: Nelson Garcia, Sunlake
Player of the Year: Jenna Lord, Sunlake

First Team All-Conference
Pitcher: Callie Turner, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Catcher: Neely Peterson, Cypress Creek, senior

Infielder: Jenna Lord, Sunlake, sophomore

Infielder: Miranda Perez, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Infielder: Jasmine Jackson, Cypress Creek, senior

Infielder: April Lorton, Zephyrhills, senior

Outfielder: Kendra Falby, Sunlake, sophomore

Outfielder: Paige Maseda, Sunlake, senior

Outfielder: Shelby Westbrook, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Utility/DH/DP: Alexis Duff, Sunlake, senior

Second Team All-Conference
Pitcher: Jordan Almasy, Wesley Chapel, junior

Catcher: Jolene Bodner, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore

Infielder: Ashley Nickisher, Cypress Creek, senior

Infielder: Nehanda Lewis, Land O’ Lakes, freshman

Infielder: Logan Coward, Wesley Chapel, senior

Infielder: Ashley Garrison, Wesley Chapel, sophomore

Outfielder: Miranda Schwartz, Cypress Creek, freshman

Outfielder: Emma Coon, Cypress Creek, sophomore

Outfielder: Brooke Stanley, Land O’ Lakes, junior

Utility/DH/DP: Mackenzie Petty, Pasco, sophomore

Honorable Mention
Alyssa Cordoba, Sunlake, junior

Mikayla Hoschak, Sunlake, sophomore

Haylee Fernandez, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Ally Fraley, Wesley Chapel, junior

Madelyn Golka, Wesley Chapel, freshman

Anna Margetis, Cypress Creek, junior

Avery Lee, Cypress Creek, senior

Ashtin Jordan, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Loryn Finn, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

Kelsey Kadlub, Pasco, sophomore

De’onna Brown, Pasco, sophomore

Kyleigh Smith, Zephyrhills, junior

Hayley Myers, Zephyrhills, sophomore

All-Conference Girls Lacrosse
Team Champion: Wiregrass Ranch
Coach of the Year: Craig Havemann
Offensive Player of the Year: Charlotte Vari, Mitchell
Defensive Player of the Year: Sydney Maziarz, Cypress Creek

First Team All-Conference
Charlotte Vari, Mitchell, junior

Morgan Gregory, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Jenna Kiley, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

Dinah Hardin, Wesley Chapel, senior

Addison Metcalf, Cypress Creek, junior

Madison Gregory, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Patricia Batchelor, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Grace Young, Mitchell, sophomore

Jordan Alvis, Cypress Creek, senior

Lauren Williams, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Chadee Smith, Mitchell, sophomore

Sydney Maziarz, Cypress Creek, senior

Second Team All-Conference
Emily Huntzinger, Land O’ Lakes, junior

Emily Rushing, Mitchell, junior

Kyleigh Lashuk, Mitchell, freshman

Peggy D’Alessandro, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Annabel Murk, Cypress Creek, junior

Amanda Erenberg-Diaz, Land O’ Lakes, junior

Mallori Hotaling, Land O’ Lakes, junior

Jenny Endres, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Kamryn Smart, Wesley Chapel, sophomore

Lily Jacey, Cypress Creek, sophomore

Brianna Seagers, Cypress Creek, sophomore

Alexa Dusch, Mitchell, sophomore

Published June 05, 2019

Hockey team formed for Land O’ Lakes High

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It all started as an idea between two dads who just wanted the best for their hockey-playing sons: What if we started our own hockey team at Land O’ Lakes High School?

After long months of conversations, fundraising and coordination, Joshua Whitman and Bill O’ Connor’s theoretical question became a reality.

Joshua Whitman, team manager and one of the people responsible for creating the newly formed Land O’ Lakes High School hockey team, watches the first period of game play through the glass. The Land O’ Lakes resident uses his tablet during the game to do live tracking of stats and to manage the live stream video. (Christine Holtzman)

This coming fall, the Land O’ Lakes High School hockey club will begin its first season in the Lightning High School Hockey League, or the LHSHL.

The Gators becomes the 19th school to join the league. The league is operated by the Tampa Bay Lightning, and features varsity level programs throughout Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties.

Hockey is not a sanctioned sport by the Florida High School Athletic Association, the official governing body for interscholastic athletics in Florida.

And, since most high schools don’t have enough players to field a team, the LHSHL has what’s called catchments, where it combines players usually from three or four different high schools to form a team.

Previously, Land O’ Lakes students would be zoned to play for the Mitchell Mustangs hockey team, which also includes players from Mitchell and Sunlake high schools.

While the other players keep their eyes on the ice, Peter Tedeschi, of Land O’ Lakes, turns to wave to some friends who came to support the team. The Gators squared off against the Wiregrass Ranch Hockey Club in their inaugural game on April 19 at Advent Hospital Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.

With their sons, who play travel league hockey together, set to be high school freshmen next year, Whitman and O’Connor didn’t want them to get lost on an already overpopulated Mitchell roster.

They also wanted them, and others, to get a true high school athletic experience — able to solely represent the Gators with their fellow Land O’ Lakes classmates.

O’ Connor put it this way: “It’s fun because we all live in the same community and we all see each other at school. It’s like playing on the high school football team, with all the people from the same area. That’s what’s cool about it. You can tell the enthusiasm from the kids.”

The parents got the blessing of the LHSHL to start a team and enlisted the help of USA Hockey to determine if Land O’ Lakes had enough players to make it all work.

They also canvassed social media to gauge interest from Land O’ Lakes families.

Gators player Michael Yevstratov, center, No. 5, heads the attack into the offensive zone after a center ice face-off win. His teammate, Ian Ravens, right, No. 13 , prepares to join Yevstratov in the battle.

The response was overwhelmingly positive.

“I was so surprised how enthusiastic everybody was and how supportive everyone was. That was the key. That’s what I think was good,” O’ Connor said.

Once it was confirmed their community had the hard numbers to fill a club roster, the dads created a nonprofit foundation, Central Pasco Youth Hockey Foundation Inc., to help with fundraising and sponsorships efforts, and oversee the general operation of the team.

They also went about filling a coaching staff, which is now led by Bill Karas, a Minnesota native who brings more than 50 years of coaching and scouting experience to the club.

The entire endeavor took all of about six months.

Joe Eisenberg, the team’s assistant coach, is calling out to his players during the first period of the game. The coach is generally yelling instructions on where to go on the ice or for players to return to the bench for a shift change.

“We just kept moving forward, and it just kind of snowballed,” Whitman said. “Looking back now, it did fly by. It was good we started early and got things done as fast as possible.”

Unlike most LHSHL teams, the Gators will have what’s called a “pure” team, with its entire roster made up of players who attend Land O’ Lakes High or are home-schooled and live within school boundaries.

It undoubtedly adds a school spirit factor to the team.

The hockey club raised about $1,800 selling Gators hockey sweatshirts alone, Whitman said, to help offset equipment and registration costs.

“It’s created quite a buzz at the school,” said Whitman. “One of the things that we want to try to do is kind of change the culture about high school hockey here in Florida, because it kind of is a secondary thought for most kids.”

The Gators hockey club actually began play this spring in a league operated by local rinks that’s independent of the LHSHL. The spring league is designed as a prelude to the fall season for current eighth-graders through high school juniors.

Gators Head Coach Bill Karas watches his players on defense. Karas, a Minnesota native, is a USA Hockey Level 4 certified coach and brings nearly 50 years of hockey experience to the Gators bench.

The spring roster has 28 players. That includes three high school juniors, a sophomore and a freshman, 15 eighth graders, and 10 seventh graders on the practice squad.

The club’s first-ever game was on April 19, when it faced Wiregrass Ranch High at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.

It was a memorable game for all, including the Gators head coach, who has seen just about everything in his five decade-long hockey career.

“First game here, we probably had 200 people. It was incredible. You don’t see that at a Minnesota high school game,” Karas said. “I was very impressed with the support that we’re getting from the Land O’ Lakes community, and I’m just glad to be part of it.”

The hockey dads and coaches aren’t the only ones excited about the Land O’ Lakes hockey venture. Players are, too, of course.

Leftwing Ian Ravens is one of the roster’s older, more experienced players, as a 16-year-old junior.

After the historic game, the Land O’Lakes High School Gators and the Wiregrass Ranch Hockey Club gathered for a group picture on the ice.

After playing in recreation leagues for many years, Ravens is glad to finally represent his high school in hockey gear.

“It’s a big thing. I’m looking forward to our senior nights, stuff like that, things that I wouldn’t be able to do playing for Mitchell or another team,” said Ravens.

“I think we’re going to get a lot of recognition in the school. We have a lot of fans,” he added.

Meantime, Ravens is confident about the team’s prospects in the LHSHL regular season, which runs roughly from September through February.

Though the fall roster will mostly be composed of incoming freshman, the rising senior feels the upstart team can hold its own. In the spring league, the Gators have won a few games and remained competitive in others.

“I think that we’re going to go in strong, which we have to,” said Ravens, who’s been playing recreational hockey for about 11 years. “We’re going to be playing a lot of different teams, not just the teams that we’re playing now (in the spring). We’ve got to be more physical, which I definitely see in everyone. I see that we have a lot of potential. I think we’re going to go far with it.”

Published May 29, 2019

Sunlake girls weightlifting coach earns statewide honor

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In her decade-plus long tenure as the Sunlake High girls weightlifting coach, Denise Garcia has racked up her fair share of achievements.

Some of the biggest came this year alone.

Back in February, Garcia guided the Seahawks to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 2A state championship — marking the program’s first-ever team weightlifting title.

Sunlake High girls weightlifting head coach Denise Garcia hoists the Class 2A state championship trophy at the 2019 Florida High School Athletic Association state meet in Panama City. Garcia has coached the school’s girls weightlifting program for 11 years. (Courtesy of Denise Garcia)

The veteran coach groomed eight lifters who competed in this year’s state meet. Six earned state medalist honors by placing among the top six individual finishes. The awards came across various weight classifications.

All told, the Seahawks registered 22 points collectively to defeat second-place Vero Beach High, which finished with 19 points.

Sunlake’s title also marked the end of the sport’s longest active streak of consecutive team state championships, which had been held by Navarre High School. Navarre had claimed four titles, from 2015 through 2018. This year, Navarre tied for seventh place.

Garcia’s efforts earned her the distinction of being named Florida Dairy Farmers Girls Weightlifting Coach of the Year. The award was announced last month.

Despite her program’s memorable 2019 campaign, Garcia remains taken aback by the designation as the state’s top girls weightlifting coach.

“As far as me getting this award, it’s a total surprise. It’s amazing, because there’s so many great coaches out there,” said Garcia, who wrapped up her 11th year as Sunlake girls weightlifting coach.

The recognition is always nice, of course.

But, for Garcia, it’s more important to see her high school lifters reach their potential and succeed in competition.

The coach put it this way: “All the awards you get, it all means a lot, (but) you don’t do it for getting an award, you do it for your team and to make them better. You do what you’re supposed to do for the team.”

Garcia praised her athletes — past and present — for being coachable and working hard along the way.

“I’ve just been blessed and I’m lucky enough to have girls with a good work ethic that want to learn, that want to buy into my program, and you see what happens,” Garcia said.

Under head coach Denise Garcia, the Sunlake varsity girls weightlifting team won its first-ever state crown. The Seahawks took eight lifters to the state meet, six of whom earned medalist honors on the way to the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 2A state title.

The coach outlined the recipe for success in the sport: “It’s a balance. It’s a balance of good work ethics, your program, being coachable. It’s just an everyday thing. They need to listen. It’s this formula they have to have. It’s got to be the whole, total package.”

Garcia said most of the girls she coaches initially begin with little background in weightlifting. Often, they discover a passion for the sport.

In Florida, high school weightlifters compete in the bench press and clean-and-jerk.

“It’s just teaching from the bottom up, and they absolutely fall in love with weightlifting,” Garcia said. “It’s something about weightlifting, and once they get hooked, that’s it.”

Garcia herself got her first taste of weightlifting as a student at Leto High School in Tampa. A softball and volleyball player, she learned “old-school” weight training techniques from the likes of FHSAA Hall of Fame coach and athletic director Vernon Korhn, and others.

“It’s just old-time coaches that would let me go in the weight room and work out, and I just fell in love with it,” she said.

Garcia figured she could take her knowledge of pumping iron and develop a program for girls when she was hired to work at Sunlake.

“I was like, ‘My god, I can do something with this program.’ I love weightlifting, so I put something together and there it is, it worked out,” said Garcia.

Garcia said she will be coaching the team again next year.

It’s frankly a no-brainer, with a roster that expects to return all but two of its individual state qualifiers from last year.

That includes rising junior Madison Guincho and rising seniors Gianna Levy, Juliette Pacheco, Abigail Schmook, Antoinette Farmer and Brianna Caban.

There’s also other up-and-coming lifters in the program, Garcia said, that could help Sunlake repeat as state champs.

“We have a lot of talent on this team,” the coach said.

And, besides the possibility of securing another state crown, Garcia hopes to witness one of her own lifters be named Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Weightlifting. Vero Beach senior Jayda Jenkins earned that honor this year after claiming the Class 2A individual state title at 119 pounds.

“That would be awesome. Oh my gosh, that would be awesome,” Garcia said.

The Florida Dairy Farmers High School Sports Awards program annually honors the state’s top athletes and coaches in all 30 FHSAA sanctioned and recognized sports. The program is in its 27th year.

Published May 22, 2019

Locals shine at boys weightlifting

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A handful of locals turned in top-notch performances at the 2019 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) boys weightlifting state championships, held last month in Panama City.

Standouts included Sunlake High School seniors Caleb Huff and Victor Velez, who each won a gold medal in Class 2A. Huff won in the 119-pound division and Velez won in the 129-pound division.

Sunlake High seniors Caleb Huff, left, and Victor Velez both claimed gold medals at the 2019 FHSAA boys weightlifting state championships in Panama City. Huff won first place in the 119-pound division and Velez won first in the 129-pound division. The duo stands with Sunlake boys weightlifting coach Matt Smith. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School)

Huff registered a 255-pound bench press and a 225-pound clean-and-jerk for an aggregate total of 480 pounds, besting the second place finisher, Oakleaf’s Michael Williams (420 total).

The feat marked Huff’s second-straight weightlifting state title.

He finished first place last year in the 119-pound division, with a 230-pound bench and a 200-pound clean-and-jerk for a 430 total.

Huff also had a strong showing at the state meet as a sophomore two years ago, where he finished in sixth place in the same weight class.

Velez, meanwhile, posted a 260-pound bench and 250-pound clean-and-jerk for a 510 total. He bested Wiregrass Ranch High senior Alex Alvarez, who placed second with a 480 total on a 255-pound bench and a 205-pound clean-and-jerk.

Velez finished second at last year’s state meet in the 129-pound weight class, with a 450 total.

The lifts of Huff and Velez carried Sunlake to a fifth-place team finish, best among all local schools.

In the Class 1A meet, Zephyrhills High senior Ethan Vest placed second overall in the heavyweight division with a 425-pound bench and 335-pound clean-and-jerk for a 760 total. That was behind Union County’s Agelu Nunu, who set a state record with a 525-pound bench press, to go along with a 300-pound clean-and-jerk for an 825 total.

In the 139-pound division, Cypress Creek High senior Connor O’ Malley placed fifth with a 255-pound bench and 225-pound clean-and-jerk for a 465 total.

Several other local lifters competed in the state meet, but did not place among the top six across the various weight class divisions. Zephyrhills had the most state meet participants among local schools, with seven lifters.

State results from area weightlifters and teams

Class 2A
Team results
Sunlake — fifth place (14 points)
Wiregrass Ranch—tied 13th place (5)
Land O’ Lakes — no placing (0)

119 pounds: Caleb Huff, senior, Sunlake: first place; 255-225—480

129 pounds: Victor Velez, senior, Sunlake: first place; 260-250—510; Alex Alvarez, senior, Wiregrass Ranch: first place; 275-205—480

Class 1A
Zephyrhills— tied 13th place (5 points)
Cypress Creek— tied 26th (2)

139 pounds: Connor O’ Malley, senior, Cypress Creek: fifth place; 255-210–465

Heavyweight: Ethan Vest, senior, Zephyrhills: second place; 425-335—760

Other area lifters who participated in the state meet

Class 2A
139 pounds: Alex Hall, senior, Sunlake (255-200—455)

169 pounds: Kevin Sacco, senior, Land O’ Lakes (scratch)

Class 1A
119 pounds: Garrett Ellison, senior, Zephyrhills (165-0—165)

129 pounds: Justin Clark, junior, Zephyrhills (195-205—400)

154 pounds: Dylan Hitchner, senior, Zephyrhills (255-230 — 485)

199 pounds: Samuel Bergeron, senior, Zephyrhills (scratch)

219 pounds: Caleb Keeling, senior, Zephyrhills (320-0—320)

238 pounds: Cameron Helms, senior, Zephyrhills (350-255—605)

Published May 01, 2019

Pasco all-star baseball and softball rosters named

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Baseball and softball rosters have been announced for the 2019 Pasco County East-West Classic.

The third annual all-star showcase, organized by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, features many of the top high school seniors in Pasco County.

Academy at the Lakes pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl is one of dozens of high school seniors selected to play in the 2019 Pasco County East-West Classic on May 25. (File)

Players on the East teams will represent Academy at the Lakes, Cypress Creek, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills high schools.

Players on the West teams will represent Anclote, Bishop McLaughlin, Fivay, Gulf, Hudson, Land O’ Lakes, Mitchell and River Ridge high schools.

The softball and baseball games are each scheduled for May 25 at noon, at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School.

Tickets are $10; parking is free.

For information, contact Bob Durham at (813) 784-4410 or , or visit PascoAllStarBaseball.com.

All-Star rosters

Baseball
East team
Head coach: Chris Stambek, Sunlake

Cypress Creek
Roy Camacho, catcher

Pasco
Brandon Mills, shortstop
Caleb Johnson, outfielder
Bristol Sargent, catcher
Emilio Villa, first baseman

Sunlake
Luke Lenhert, outfielder
Tyler Lord, pitcher
Dawson Place, outfielder
Ryan Rodriguez, shortstop
Nick Shumek, pitcher

Wesley Chapel
Thomas Byron, second baseman
Jesse Rhodes, third baseman
Joe Gomez, outfielder

Wiregrass Ranch
Nate Crissey, third baseman
Austin Hiatt, outfielder
Jalenn Mead, first baseman
Paul Sustachek, second baseman

Zephyrhills
Jaydon Bishop, outfielder
Ricky Dunn, first baseman
Zach Schneidmiller, third baseman
Dylan Wood, catcher

West team
Head coach: Mike Vavasis, Hudson

Anclote
Brock Decker, pitcher

Bishop McLaughlin
Bryce Carroll, outfielder
Justin Koehler, third baseman
Shafer Magee, outfielder
Derick Stager, catcher
Thomas Sutton, first baseman

Fivay
JJ Erazo, shortstop
Jarod Lyon, pitcher

Gulf
Logan Martin, shortstop

Hudson
Pat Coleman, catcher
Sam Roush, second baseman

Land O’ Lakes
Ethan Frasca, third baseman
Nick Jennings, first baseman
Kaleb Jimenez, catcher

Mitchell
Kyle Lang, outfielder
Sebastian Zieba, first baseman

River Ridge
Gabe Fusco, second baseman
Logan Ganoe, outfielder
Devin Henwood, first baseman

Softball
East team
Head coach: Yamani Vazquez, Wiregrass Ranch

Academy at the Lakes
Tristen Gittens, outfielder
Lexi Kilfoyl, pitcher

Cypress Creek
Payton Hudson, shortstop
Jasmine Jackson, second baseman/catcher
Ashley Nickisher, third baseman
Neely Peterson, catcher

Pasco
Sarah Jones, first baseman/outfielder
Rachel Roberts, pitcher/first baseman

Sunlake
Morgan Boudreau, pitcher/first baseman
Alexis Duff, pitcher/first baseman
Shea Forgas, second baseman
Paige Maseda, outfielder

Wesley Chapel
Logan Coward, shortstop/catcher
Breana Delgado, third baseman/infielder

Wiregrass Ranch
Kimmie Cheung, outfielder
Ashtin Jordan, third baseman
Miranda Perez, shortstop

Zephyrhills
April Lorton, third baseman
Madison Pysher, outfielder

West team
Head coach: Mitch Wilkins, Land O’ Lakes

Bishop McLaughlin
Savannah Lee, pitcher

Fivay
Ariel Simonsen, outfielder

Gulf
Samantha Pressler, pitcher

Hudson
Alex Kastrenakes, pitcher
Sydney Klenert, first baseman
Hailey Smith, shortstop

Land O’ Lakes
Trinity Duran, utility
Haylee Fernandez, outfielder
Destiny Rodriguez, utility
Callie Turner, pitcher
Shelby Westbrook, first baseman

Mitchell
Alex Hare, shortstop

River Ridge
Jessica Bryson, outfielder
Tera Smith, outfielder
Melanie Rogers, pitcher

Published May 02, 2019

Spring football preview for area teams

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High school football is back in session, as spring football practices are now underway statewide.

And, while the 2019 prep season remains months away, Florida high school football fans still will get a taste of how their teams are shaping up with a series of exhibition games and jamborees in late May.

Florida high schools are allowed a maximum of 20 practice sessions from April 22 through May, according to Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) guidelines. The first allowable day for full-contact tackling is April 27.

Take a look at these five area teams to watch as spring practices ramp up:

Academy at the Lakes will seek its third straight eight-man title in 2019. The team is currently on a 20-game winning streak dating back to 2017. (File)

Academy at the Lakes Wildcats
The back-to-back defending eight-man Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) state champion Wildcats will have another target on its back as it enters the new season on a 20-game winning streak (including a win by forfeit) dating back to September of 2017.

But, that shouldn’t faze an Academy at the Lakes squad that again returns the father-son combo of head coach Shawn Brown and rising junior quarterback Jalen Brown.

Shawn Brown is a two-time reigning FCAPPS Coach of the Year, while Jalen Brown won the 2018 FCAPPS Heisman Trophy Winner award, given to the eight-man league’s top player.

Last season the 6-foot-2, 180-pound quarterback completed nearly 58 percent of his throws for 1,105 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 672 yards and 10 touchdowns on 93 carries.

In addition to Jalen Brown, the team returns All-Conference standouts in center Dwight Downing and defensive end Elijah Freedman. Also expect significant contributions from the likes of tailback Adrian Leverette, receivers Cole Lallanilla and Caleb Yann, and linebacker Denzyl Downing, among others.

Perhaps the biggest question for the Wildcats is finding ways to replace the production left behind by graduating All-State linebacker Dylan Price and All-State defensive back Jullian Jennings, as well as All-State offensive lineman Andrew Kilfoyl, who has since transferred to Gaither.

Land O’ Lakes Gators
Under new head coach Chad Walker, the Gators achieved its first winning season since 2013, going 7-3 and narrowly missing out on a playoff berth.

Land O’ Lakes is looking to build off last season’s 7-3 campaign under head coach Chad Walker.

The turnaround season also included a 35-24 win over crosstown foe Sunlake to crack an eight-game losing streak in the annual ‘Butter Bowl’ rivalry game.

Naturally, fans of the storied Pasco County program will expect similar success again this year.

It won’t come easy, however, as the team moves on from a sizable senior class that included its leading rusher, leading receiver, leading tackler and top kicking specialists.

Working in the team’s favor, though, is the return of one of the area’s top signal callers in rising senior quarterback and two-year starter Ethan Forrester.

Last season the 6-foot-3, 220-pound athlete completed nearly 52 percent of his passes for 1,429 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for 155 yards and three touchdowns.

Meanwhile, the Gators have put together a tough 2019 regular season slate that includes five teams that made the playoffs last season — Gaither, Mitchell, Tampa Catholic, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills Christian, respectively.

Steinbrenner Warriors
Following a disappointing 2-7 output in 2017, the Warriors rebounded last year to finish 6-5 overall with a 4-2 mark in District 6-8A, including a four-game winning streak to close out the season.

Steinbrenner has plenty of weapons to build off last year’s 6-5 mark.

With a bevy of returning talent, the momentum should continue into 2019 under longtime head coach Andres Perez-Reinaldo.

The Warriors feature multiple NCAA FBS Division I football targets, such as receivers Aidan Bitter and Dean Patterson, and Matthew Adcock, a 6-foot-4, 320-pound offensive lineman.

The squad is stacked with other playmakers, too.

Quarterback Haden Carlson, the son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Jeff Carlson, is poised to build off a junior campaign where he completed 54 percent of his passes for 1,418 yards, 10 total touchdowns and four interceptions.

The rising senior will have plenty of weapons at his disposal in the likes of Bitter (32 receptions, 568 yards, six touchdowns), Patterson (39 receptions, 391 yards, two touchdowns), Jett Law (22 receptions, 212 yards) and Deon Silas (1,198 all-purpose yards), among others.

The Warriors also return several of its top players on the other side of the ball, including rising junior linebacker Austin Brannen, who registered 130 total tackles, including 12 for loss.

Meanwhile, special teams figure to be another strength, with All-State punter Cameron Brown, kicker Trevor Haire, and a return game that collectively averaged 28.2 yard on kick returns and 13.2 yards on punt returns.

Wiregrass Ranch Bulls
With a string of three consecutive winning seasons and playoff appearances under head coach Mark Kantor, Wiregrass Ranch seems positioned for another year as one of Pasco County’s premier programs.

With a large senior class, Wiregrass Ranch will seek its fourth straight playoff berth in 2019.

And, most any win will be hard earned in 2019, particularly with new district foes in Class 6A state runner-up Armwood, East Bay and Tampa Bay Tech.

In fact, every opponent on the Bulls’ 10-game schedule sported a winning record last season, aside from crosstown rival Wesley Chapel, who finished with a 5-5 mark. Of those teams, half qualified for the playoffs from their respective classification.

Fortunately for the Bulls, the team has the benefit of experience on its side with about two dozen rising seniors.

That includes one of the Sunshine State’s most productive defensive players in first team All-State linebacker Dylan Ridolph.

Ridolph’s 22 sacks last season ranked second in the state, trailing only Winter Garden Foundation Academy’s Warren Sapp II (24). The 6-foot, 215-pound Ridolph already holds the county record for most career sacks (37).

Some other upperclassman to keep an eye on include defensive back Jonavon Tills (five interceptions) and tailback Keith Walker (667 all-purpose yards, nine touchdowns).

Meantime, the Bulls will have to break in a new quarterback with the graduation of two-year starter Grant Sessums.

Such duty will likely fall to promising rising senior dual-threat quarterback Hunter Helton.

Last season Helton served as the team’s backup quarterback option, but showcased his athleticism as the team’s leading receiver (16 receptions, 315 yards, four touchdowns).

His last extended action under center came as a sophomore on junior varsity, where he completed nearly 54 percent of his throws for 557 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception.

Zephyrhills Bulldogs
Going undefeated in the regular season on its way to securing its second straight district title, the Zephyrhills Bulldogs in 2018 put together one of the more notable campaigns in recent memory.

Coming off back-to-back district championships, Zephyrhills will look to several new faces to make an impact in 2019.

It also added to the program’s tally of winning seasons, which now numbers eight straight dating back to 2011.

Maintaining their sustained dominance this year may prove challenging, though, as the Bulldogs say farewell to 23 seniors from last year’s 11-1 squad, 10 of whom earned All-Conference honors.

Among that group is the team’s starting quarterback, several leading receivers, multiple leading tacklers and top special teamers.

Serving another blow to the team’s 2019 depth: All-Conference linebacker Ja’varrius Wilson recently announced his intention to transfer to Clearwater Academy International for his senior year. He was fourth on the team in tackles (91) and second in tackles for loss (18).

On the bright side for Zephyrhills, up-and-coming head coach Nick Carroll returns for 2019, looking to build upon a combined 29-6 mark his first three seasons.

Of course, the Bulldogs won’t be totally devoid of impactful playmakers in 2019.

Rising senior two-way lineman Demetris Wright (40 pancake blocks, 30 tackles), and rising juniors Zyre Roundtree (541 rushing yards, six touchdowns) and Tre Gallimore (45 tackles, two interceptions) are a few to watch, among others.

Schools in Laker/Lutz News coverage area (and their 2018 records)
Hillsborough County:

  • Carrollwood Day School Patriots: 6-6 overall, 2-2 region
  • Freedom High School Patriots: 4-6 overall, 2-4 district
  • Gaither High School Cowboys: 7-4 overall, 4-2 district
  • Steinbrenner High School Warriors: 6-5 overall, 4-2 district

Pasco County:

  • Academy at the Lakes Wildcats: (10-0 overall, 7-0 district)
  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes: (4-5 overall, 3-1 district)
  • Cypress Creek Middle High School Coyotes: (3-7 overall, 1-0 region)
  • Land O’ Lakes High School Gators: (7-3 overall, 2-2 district)
  • Pasco High School Pirates: (2-8 overall, 0-4 district)
  • Sunlake High School Seahawks: (4-6 overall, 1-3 district)
  • Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats: (5-5 overall, 4-3 district)
  • Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls: (7-4 overall, 4-2 district)
  • Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors: (7-4 overall, 0-1 region)
  • Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs: (11-1 overall, 6-0 district)

Spring game schedule
May 16
East Ridge at Zephyrhills
Zephyrhills Christian at Fivay
Jamboree: Freedom, King, Wharton at Hillsborough
Jamboree: Gaither, Sickles, Steinbrenner at Alonso

May 17
Anclote at Sunlake
Cypress Creek at Pasco
Land O’ Lakes at Wesley Chapel
Wiregrass Ranch at East Lake

May 18
Bishop McLaughlin at Carrollwood Day

May 24
Jamboree: Academy at the Lakes, Master’s Academy, Lakeside Christian, Solid Rock at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center

Player to watch from each area team
Hillsborough County

  • Shelton Quarles Jr., Carrollwood Day, athlete
  • Tawfiq Thomas, Freedom, defensive tackle
  • Chance Coleman, Gaither, linebacker
  • Deon Silas, Steinbrenner, athlete

Pasco County

  • Jalen Brown, Academy at the Lakes, quarterback
  • Adam Berry, Bishop McLaughlin, tailback
  • Jalen Warren, Cypress Creek, athlete
  • Ethan Forrester, Land O’ Lakes, quarterback
  • Darrion Robinson, Pasco, receiver
  • Jonathan Wallace, Sunlake, defensive end
  • Jelani Vassell, Wesley Chapel, athlete
  • Dylan Ridolph, Wiregrass Ranch, linebacker
  • Zyre Roundtree, Zephyrhills, tailback
  • Malik Jones, Zephyrhills Christian, defensive lineman

Published April 24, 2019