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Most Recent Entries
- Tampa Mustangs Softball On a Roll
- NFHS Announces Softball Changes
- Hillsborough's Mitchell Gets Invite To 18U National Team Trials
- River Ridge's Simon to Jacksonville U
- Sunlake Fills Positions; Close In On Others
- Mitchell, Schuster Vying For 18U Trials Invite
- Wesley Chapel Lineman Verbals to USF
- Engel Eliminated At U.S. Olympic Trials
- Grajales Eliminated From U.S. Olympic Trials, Engel Stays Alive
- Four Locals Spending Summer In Cape Cod League
- Grajales Drops Opening Match, Engel Wins
- Engel Falls In U.S. Wrestling Trials Quarterfinals
- FHSAA Names New Executive Director
- Prep School Issued Record Breaking Fine
- Ex-Gaither Star Signs With Angels
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Last week, the Tampa Mustangs 18-Under Walt softball travel team went 8-1 to win the ASA Hall of Fame Classic in Oklahoma City.
This week, the team is competing at the Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament in Colorado, where they are currently 2-1. But the Walt Team isn’t the only squad from Tampa Mustangs doign well in Colorado. Ray Seymour, the club’s director, said the 14U team is 4-0, the 16U team is 2-0, and the 18U Holle team is 2-0.
“It’s been a good week for us,” Seymour said.
Seymour said there are over 500 teams at the tournament, with close to 300 college coaches watching.
To follow the tournament, Click Here.
There are several players from Hillsborough and Pasco county on the different teams. To visit the Mustang’s website, Go Here
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Beginning in 2009, new rules will be in place to create more balance between pitching and batting in high school softball.
Three rules revisions were made by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee regarding the pitcher-batter relationship at its annual meeting June 9-11 in Indianapolis. The rules changes subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
The penalty for Rule 6-2-3 - a pitcher exceeding the 20-second time limit - is now a ball awarded to the batter, rescinding the previous penalty of an illegal pitch.
"The change makes a violation of the time to pitch by the pitcher consistent with a batter failing to be ready within 10 seconds after the ball has been returned to the pitcher,” said Mary Struckhoff, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee. “An illegal pitch penalty is excessive as it also awards runners one additional base.”
A revision to Rule 6-1-4d changes the pitching windup requirement to a maximum of 1½ clockwise revolutions. The change will benefit batters and umpires alike.
"More and more, pitchers are pushing the rule to the limit in an attempt to gain an advantage by deceiving the batter,” Struckhoff said. “The change will make an illegal pitch, as it relates to the windup, easier to identify and enforcement more consistent.”
The final adjustment to help create balance between offense and defense clarifies the definition of an attempted bunt. Rule 2-8-2 will be changed to state that holding the bat in the strike zone is considered an attempted bunt. In order to take a pitch, the batter must withdraw the bat backward away from the ball.
The committee also addressed the issue of ball specifications. Beginning in 2010, all softballs must have a dynamic stiffness that does not exceed 7,500 lbs/inch when tested under current proposed ASTM test methods. Rule 1-3-3 adds the dynamic stiffness requirement to complement the existing size, weight, COR, and compression standards.
Editorial changes approved by the committee:
* Rule 1-4-2 includes the allowance of one American flag (2 inches x 3 inches maximum) permitted on the glove.
* Rule 1-7-1 states that any eye shield worn by a catcher must be clear.
* A note addition to Rule 3-2-1 establishes that individual state associations may permit a player to participate while wearing a different style of uniform for religious reasons.
* Rule 3-2-7 was clarified to affirm that exposed undergarments must be a solid color.
* Rule 6-2-3 clarifies that once the ball is returned to the pitcher to prepare for the next pitch, she has 20 seconds to release the pitch.
* Rule 7-3-1 clarifies that the batter has 10 seconds to take her position in the batter’s box after the ball is returned to the pitcher. The wording of the penalty for this rule was also changed to state that the pitcher bringing her hands together indicates a commitment to deliver the pitch.
The committee also established three points of emphasis for next season: 1) pitching, 2) obstruction/interference and 3) the DP/FLEX Rule.
Softball is the fourth-most popular sport among girls at the high school level with 373,448 participants during the 2006-07 season, according to the High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the NFHS. It also ranks third in school sponsorship for girls across the nation with 14,968 participating schools.
Hillsborough High’s Marlon Mitchell was one of 34 players invited to the 18-under National Team Trials following his performance this past week at the invite-only Tournament of Stars at the USA National Baseball Complex in Cary, N.C.
Mitchell, who went 2-for-9 with one run scored and one RBI for the PONY National squad in the TOS, is one of four catchers heading to the trials, which are scheduled for July 10-17 in Phoenix, Ariz.
“It feels really good. I’m really excited about going to Arizona and getting another opportunity to make team,” Mitchell said. “I performed real well. I did really good in this tournament, probably the best I’ve played in a long time.”
Eighteen players will be selected from the trials to represent the U.S. at the IBAF “AAA” World Junior Championships July 25-Aug 3 in Edmonton, Canada. Mitchell is confident he can be one of those players.
“I think [my chances] are really good. I think I can do it,” Mitchell said. “I think I’m going to make the team. If I play the way I did at the Tournament of Stars I think I’ll have a chance to make the team.”
Mitchell High left-handed pitcher Patrick Schuster, who also played in the TOS and helped the Dixie National team win the tournament championship, also was extended an invitation but told the Tribune’s Cristina Ledra on Monday that he was unable to accept because of a potential scheduling conflict.
Schuster was dominant at the TOS, yielding just one hit and no walks over six innings (in two appearances) while striking out 13.
River Ridge catcher Sarah Simon verbally committed to play softball at Jacksonville University. This past season, which was Simon’s junior year, she was voted team MVP and was a Pasco Tribune first team All-County selection after a team-high 48 RBI’s, a .514 batting average and a .993 fielding percentage. In 25 games, Simon also produced 10 doubles and an .833 slugging percentage.
Her five home runs led the team and helped push the Royal Knights to its first district championship and regional semifinal appearance since 2004. Simon was also named to the Sunshine Athletic Conference All-Conference softball team as well as the SAC’s All-Academic team.
Simon will pursue a business degree in aviation management and flight operations.
Sunlake athletic director Matt McDermott is reporting he and the school’s administration have recently filled three of their coaching vacancies. In fact, McDermott will take over as the school’s wrestling coach after being away from the sport for a year.
The Seahawks also filled their coaching vacancies in volleyball and cheerleading. Aixa Crespo will take over as the varsity volleyball coach after spending last season as the varsity assistant and junior varsity head coach at Sunlake. And Lindsay Sorci will relocate from Illinois to take over as the school’s varsity cheerleading coach.
The baseball and girls soccer coaching positions remain unfilled, but McDermott hopes to have that taken care of some time next week. More than 20 applicants have applied for the baseball position, including Al Sorrentino of River Ridge, Ridgewood assistant baseball coach Justin Kunick and Chamberlain baseball coach Dick Rohrberg.
Hillsborough’s Marlon Mitchell and Mitchell’s Patrick Shuster are among 144 players from across the nation vying for a coveted spot at the 18-under National Baseball Team Trials this week at the invite-only Tournament of Stars at the USA Baseball Complex in Cary, N.C.
The eight-team tournament begins Tuesday and runs through Sunday. Mitchell, a rising senior catcher, will play for the PONY Team, while Schuster, a rising senior left-handed pitcher, will play for the Dixie Team.
The 2008 18-under National Team will be selected solely from players in this tournament. Thirty four players will be invited from the TOS to the 18-under National Team Trials, which are scheduled for July 10-17 in Phoenix. From there, 20 will make the team that is set to compete in the IBAF World AAA Junior Championships July 25-Aug. 3 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
“I’m just trying to go out here and work hard and give it all I’ve got; just go all out,” Mitchell said Monday evening. “I think my chances are pretty good.
“It’s like a dream come true to be able to actually come out here and try out [for the 18-under National Team]. I’m very excited.”
Plant High’s Mychal Givens and Clearwater Central Catholic’s Ryan Weber were selected last summer to the 18-under National Team, which won a bronze medal at the COPABE AAA Junior Championships in Ixtapa, Mexico. That showing qualified the 18-under U.S. squad for this year’s world championship’s in Canada.
The players selected for this year’s 18-under National Team Trials are expected to be announced at the conclusion of the tournament Sunday.
You can follow the progress of both Mitchell and Schuster at the USA Baseball website.
Wesley Chapel lineman Kamran Joyer gave a verbally commitment to the University of South Florida today. The 6-3, 320-pound guard will likely move to center for the Bulls.
“We took a look at Miami yesterday and weren’t impressed with Miami,” Kamran’s father Jack Joyer said. “He really likes [offensive line coach Mike] Simmonds and Coach [Jim] Leavitt and then he has an opportunity to start right away. They will move him to center.
“It’s close to home and he will be able to compete for a state championship in weightlifting and track by not having to graduate early. Had he choose Florida or Miami, he would have graduated earlier.”
Although Florida had not offered, they were one of the programs Joyer considered, Jack Joyer said. He’s received scholarship offers from USF, Tennessee and South Carolina.
Former Pasco High standout wrestler Nate Engel has been eliminated from the United State Olympic Wrestling Trials.
Engel lost 6-0, 7-0 to Josh Halbeck in an elimination match the consolation bracket. Engel finished 2-2 overall in the tournament.
Four former local high school standouts will be spending the summer playing in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League, which is reserved for the nation’s top collegiate baseball players.
Former Plant outfielder Dylan Brown, who is now at Oklahoma State, and former Durant left-hander Carmine Giardina, now at Central Florida, will be teammates with the Chatham A’s. In addition, former Pasco High shortstop Robbie Shields, now at Florida Southern, will play for the Cotuit Kettleers, while former Alonso right-hander Tommy Toledo, now at Florida, will play for the Falmouth Commodores.
The Cape Cod League begins tonight (June 13) and runs through Aug. 14. Apparently, each team offers free audio and video of home games, according to the league’s website. You can listen/watch here.
There are countless big-league players who have ties to the Cape Cod League. In 2007, there were 212 former Cape League players on MLB active rosters or injured reserve, according to the league’s website.
In the 2008 MLB draft last week, 14 first-round selections were former Cape League players.
Brandon High standout Eric Grajales has been eliminated from the United States Olympic Wrestling Trials in Las Vegas.
Grajales fell in a consolation match in the 60 kilogram Greco-Roman division, losing to Willie Madison 2-4, 5-0, 4-1. It was Grajales’ second loss of the day; he dropped his opening match 4-2, 5-0 to Jeremiah Davis.
Meanwhile, former Pasco High standout Nate Engel stayed alive with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Roger Stewart in a consolation bout in the 55 kilogram Greco-Roman division. Engel’s next opponent will be Josh Habeck.
Stay with TBO.com for more updates.
Former Pasco High wrestling standout Nate Engel lost his quarterfinal match Friday in the 55 kilogram Greco-Roman division at the United States Olympic Trials in Las Vegas.
Engel fell 5-0, 1-1 to Spenser Mango, this year’s U.S. Senior National champion in the weight class. Engel is still alive in the tournament and can finish as high as third, but his run toward a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team for the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing is over. Only the winner of each weight class at the Trials makes the U.S. Olympic squad.
Engel will face Roger Stewart in a consolation match later today.
Brandon High’s Eric Grajales, who lost his opening bout in the 60 kilogram Greco-Roman division, also will wrestle in the consolation bracket later today.
Brandon High wrestling standout Eric Grajales lost his opening match Friday in the 60 kilogram Greco-Roman division at the United States Olympic Trials in Las Vegas.
Grajales fell 4-2, 5-0 to Jeremiah Davis, who placed fifth at 60 kilograms at the U.S. Senior Nationals. While Grajales still can finish as high as third place at the Trials, he can’t win the weight class, meaning he can’t secure a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team for the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing. The winner of each weight class at the Trials earns a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.
Meanwhile, former Pasco High standout Nate Engel posted a victory in his first match in the 55 kilogram Greco-Roman division to advance to the quarterfinals.
Engel defeated Miguel Pena 5-0, 1-1. Engel will face Spenser Mango, the 55 kilogram champion at the U.S. Senior Nationals, in the quarterfinals.
Stay with TBO.com for more updates throughout the day on Grajales and Engel at the Trials.
Dr. James “Roger” Dearing will be appointed as the Florida High School Athletic Association’s new Executive Director, the state’s athletic organization announced today.
The FHSAA’s Board of Director voted Thursday morning to appoint Dearing, the current Superintendent of Manatee County Schools, to replace John A. Stewart, who is retiring in November.
Dearing was selected from a pool of three finalists. William “Sam” Ward, Principal of Fleming Island High School, and Clifton V. Norris, Superintendent of Levy County Schools, were the other finalists for the position. Each were interviewed by the Board of Directors in Atlantic Beach.
“I’m elated,” Dearing said in a statement. “This is the epitome of shaping young lives.”
Saint Leo University catcher Braulio Pardo, who played at Gaither High, signed Monday with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and left for a minicamp in Arizona.
The 6-foot, 190-pound Pardo, a 12th-round draft choice and the 379th player selected overall, will play in the short-season rookie league in Orem, Utah. His manager will be Tom Kotchman, the scout who signed him. Pardo, who also played two seasons for USF, batted a team-leading .356 for the Lions as a junior this season. He was named first team All-Sunshine State Conference and second team Daktronics All-South Region. He tallied 42 hits, 35 runs scored, 21 RBI, six doubles, two triples, three homers, 15 walks, and nine stolen bases. He also had 13 multi-hit games and an 11-game hitting streak.
At Gaither, Braulio was named All-Western Conference in 2004 and 2005 and earned all-state honors in 2005. He also helped the Cowboys win the Saladino Tournament title in 2003 and 2005 and was named best defensive player at Gaither from 2003-2005.
Saint Leo University Assistant Athletic Director for External Operations/Sports Information Eddie Kenny has been named athletic director at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School.
Kenny replaces Mike Zelenka, who accepted an assistant principal position at Christ the King School in Tampa.
Kenny came to Saint Leo in 2006 from Nova Southeastern University where he served as Sports Information Coordinator for three years and was an intern for one year prior to that. While at NSU, Kenny helped the sports information department win numerous publication awards while also becoming the first school in the SSC to utilize Internet broadcasting.
Kenny holds a bachelor of science degree in communications from Florida International University and a master’s of sports management from Nova Southeastern. He and wife Wendy reside in Zephyrhills.
Zelenka, who also coached football, girls soccer and softball during his tenure, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Notre Dame in liberal studies, also completed the school’s two-year Alliance for Catholic Education program.
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