SEMINOLE BEACON
Here are the articles that I have written with the local newspaper, the Seminole Beacon.
Newspaper Version
|
On-line Version
|
Forever Friends seek tourney sponsor
SEMINOLE – The Forever Friends Golf Tournament is looking for a title sponsor for this year’s tournament on April 6.
This is the fourth year that the tournament has benefited students at Seminole High School and the community in both the scholastic and sports venues.
The tournament pays tribute to Keith MacCollom, Joey Ruzecki, Nate Richardson and LeShawn Smith, who died in a car crash on Friday, April 10, 2009.
According to tournament organizers, becoming a title sponsor is tax-deductible. Your company name and logo will be on all tournament literature and banners. Proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit the youth of Seminole High School, SYAA and YMCA of Largo.
All proceeds will go to the following charities: The Keith MacCollom Hoops and Heritage Memorial Scholarhip Fund, the Joey Ruzecki Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Nate Richardson Memorial Baseball Scholarship Fund, the YMCA of Largo and Play for Us Memorial Foundation. All are incorporated as 501C (3) as designated by the IRS.
Throughout the past three years, the tournament has raised and provided the youth in our community over $100,000 in college scholarships and over $40,000 in grants for kids.
For more information, contact John Ruzecki at 647-4169. For other information about the tournament in years past, visit www.foureverfriends.org.
Article published on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: Section 1A Seminole Beacon. All rights reserved.
This is the fourth year that the tournament has benefited students at Seminole High School and the community in both the scholastic and sports venues.
The tournament pays tribute to Keith MacCollom, Joey Ruzecki, Nate Richardson and LeShawn Smith, who died in a car crash on Friday, April 10, 2009.
According to tournament organizers, becoming a title sponsor is tax-deductible. Your company name and logo will be on all tournament literature and banners. Proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit the youth of Seminole High School, SYAA and YMCA of Largo.
All proceeds will go to the following charities: The Keith MacCollom Hoops and Heritage Memorial Scholarhip Fund, the Joey Ruzecki Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Nate Richardson Memorial Baseball Scholarship Fund, the YMCA of Largo and Play for Us Memorial Foundation. All are incorporated as 501C (3) as designated by the IRS.
Throughout the past three years, the tournament has raised and provided the youth in our community over $100,000 in college scholarships and over $40,000 in grants for kids.
For more information, contact John Ruzecki at 647-4169. For other information about the tournament in years past, visit www.foureverfriends.org.
Article published on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: Section 1A Seminole Beacon. All rights reserved.
Seminole High Band heads west to Pasadena
By: Brad Richardson
SEMINOLE – The phrase “Oh the Places You’ll Go” fits the Seminole High School band as they prepare to be in the international spotlight in Pasadena, Calif., for a once in a lifetime experience on New Years Day. The band has garnered national attention within years as a competitive marching band for Pinellas County and the state of Florida. It’s been eight years and it seems like déjà vu to many Seminole band alumni, as they will watch a new class of students share in a parade honor. Article published on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: Section 1A Seminole Beacon. All rights reserved.
|
2013 Warhawks need ‘fine tuning’
SEMINOLE – The games are set and the team has been chosen for the Seminole High School 2013 baseball season. “So far things are looking good,” said senior catcher and USF signee Michael Mann. “I am ready to see how our team does, how we get along together and see how far this team can go. We have a lot of practice to do, especially after losing Brett (Phillips) in the outfield, but definitely have backups that can get the job done.” Warhawks head coach Jeff Pincus said this season would focus on one main important aspect: fine-tuning. Article published on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: Section 1A Seminole Beacon. All rights reserved. |
On the Run
Andrew Goodman (14) of Seminole makes a break from Clearwater defenders on Nov. 28 during a Class 4A-District 10 boys soccer game at Warhawk Stadium. The Warhawk’s and Tornadoes finished in a 1-1 tie. Nathan Yeager scored Seminole's goal; Clearwater’s Austin Powel (25) added to the Tornadoes' lone score. The tie dropped Seminole’s record to 6-1-2 and Clearwater’s remains 4-3-2. The Warhawk's return to play at home on Dec. 13. against Northeast High School.
Article published on Thursday, Dec. 6th, 2012 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. Section 12A Seminole Beacon. |
God and music-Blowers enjoys spiritual journey
SEMINOLE – Bruce Blowers’ music and spiritual journey has taken him from Seminole, Pinellas County and around the world while singing the praises of God.
At 25, Blowers has always had a close relationship with Christ, which has helped him grow from the young standout musician to Christian rock artist. When he is not practicing with the self-entitled Bruce G. Blowers Band, he is a youth director and worship leader in St. Petersburg, while also teaching guitar lessons. “I am wearing a lot of hats so to speak,” said Blowers jokingly. “Those hats have always changed from time to time. I have always been involved with a lot of things and I think that I would get stir crazy if I didn’t have my hand in so many facets of the music. I could see myself getting bored.” Article published on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. Section 1A Seminole Beacon. |
Warhawks Sign
Two current members of the Seminole High School baseball team and a third player expected to be on the 2013 roster signed NCAA national letters of intent to play collegiately. From left are catcher Michael Mann, who signed with the University of South Florida; shortstop-pitcher Alex McGathey, University of North Florida; and first baseman-outfielder Corey Baptist, a transfer from St. Petersburg Catholic who is headed to the University of Mississippi. Last season, Mann had a .581 slugging percentage with 19 RBI's, McGathey was 8-0 with 0.15 earned run average and 52 strikeouts; and Baptist hit .316 with a .553 slugging percentage. Article published on Thursday, Nov. 22nd, 2012Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. Section 6A Seminole Beacon. |
SHS Band Plans Mutts and Music
Members of the Seminole High School Warhawk Marching Band gathered to play music and celebrate a Band Spirit Night at the Cali Shack on Sept. 17 to raise money for their trip to the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade. Ten percent of the sales from 5-8 pm went to the band. Band Boosters and Kiwanis Club members also sold raffle tickets for the 2012 Mini Cooper Baker Street Limited Edition, which will be raffled on Oct. 6 at the bands annual Seminole Sound Spectacular.
Article published on Wednesday, September 27th, 2012 Section 10A Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
Mutts and Music
Seminole High School band director Daniel "Chip" Wood, left, displays the Tournament of Roses Flag with the President of the Tournament Roses president Sally Bixby during the band boosters' Mutts and Music fundraising event Sept. 29 at Seminole City Park. The Warhawk Marching band will participate in the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade Jan. 1 in Pasadena, Cali.
Article published on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2012 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. Section 4A |
Warhawks’ McGathey commits to UNF
SEMINOLE – Seminole High School shortstop-pitcher Alex McGathey has verbally committed to play baseball for the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. McGathey said he decided on the Division I Ospreys after touring the campus and seeing what the program has to offer. “When I checked it out, I knew it was the right place for me,” said McGathey. “I really liked the baseball program and UNF was looking at me for pitching. Even their head coach, Raymond Laval, who coached at LSU, is also the pitching coach and is very good with player and pitching development and control.” Article published on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved |
Local pride
|
| ||||||
Rose Bowl Drum Majors
Seniors Matt Durst and Sarah Michaels were selected recently by band director Daniel "Chip" Wood and members of the Seminole High school marching band to be the drum majors for the band in the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade Jan. 1 in Pasadena, Cali. Michaels was drum major for the 2012 marching band season and Durst was one of the field commanders. This will be the band's second appearance in the parade after last marching in the event eight years ago. 
|
Seminole’s Phillips signs with Astros
SEMINOLE – Brett Phillips’ childhood dream has finally come true – to play baseball in a major league organization.
The former Seminole High School slugger and center fielder made his decision final June 11 when he signed with the Houston Astros, which drafted him in the sixth round. Phillips received a $300,000 signing bonus along with a clause in his contract stating the Astros would pay his future college tuition. He decided to turn pro after previously committing to play at North Carolina State. Article published on Tuesday, June 19, 2012Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. | ||
Seminole Chamber welcomes new members
SEMINOLE – The Seminole Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon at Freedom Square Retirement Community welcomed new chamber members along with honored guests and a few surprises.
The luncheon allowed volunteers and business owners that are current members and supporters of the chamber to interact and be recognized for their continuing support throughout the community. Article published on Tuesday, June 21, 2011Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
Warhawks look toward 2013 season
SEMINOLE – Now that the season is over, players on Seminole High School baseball team have begun to focus on next season.
Most players will soon move into summer baseball and AAU competition. They also will participate in off-season conditioning with assistant coach J.J. Johnson. According to head coach Jeffery Pincus, he doesn’t want to see them put themselves in a position where they could be overused. The tendency, he said, is for many players to please every coach that they play for. Article published on Tuesday, May 29, 2012Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
Doyle excels on the mound, classroom
SEMINOLE – Although silent and calm, Seminole senior Jordan Doyle leads and inspires a young team.
Doyle, a right-handed pitcher, is currently hitting .365 with a .413 slugging percentage and 13 RBI. On the mound, he is one of the Warhawks’ top starting pitchers with a 6-2 record and 68 strikeouts, which he demonstrated May 2 with a 2-hitter against Tampa’s Freedom High in the first round of the Class 7A regional playoffs. In the classroom, he is equally strong with a 3.9 weighted grade-point average. He said as a member of the Seminole baseball team he and others are heavily watched by teachers and coaches when it comes to grades. Article published on Tuesday, May 8, 2012Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
Seminole High's Phillips awaits draft to weigh options
SEMINOLE – For Seminole baseball standout Brett Phillips, the future remains unwritten as the sport paves a path toward either college or potentially the major leagues.
Donning the No. 8 jersey and playing center field, Phillips, a senior, has been a major contributor for the Warhawks this season with a .420 batting average, a .740 slugging percentage, 21 runs and 11 RBIs. He is part of the core outfield that has helped Seminole maintain the top spot in the Class 7A-District 10 standings.
Article published on Tuesday, April 10, 2012Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved.
Donning the No. 8 jersey and playing center field, Phillips, a senior, has been a major contributor for the Warhawks this season with a .420 batting average, a .740 slugging percentage, 21 runs and 11 RBIs. He is part of the core outfield that has helped Seminole maintain the top spot in the Class 7A-District 10 standings.
Article published on Tuesday, April 10, 2012Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved.
Fun on the Court
Above: Matt "Showbiz" Jackson, a former member of the Harlem Globetrotters, dances with an admirring fan during a benefit basketball game March 24 at the Gibbs campus of St. Petersburg College. More than 1300 people turned out for the two games involving the ex-Globetrotters. Proceeds benefitted the Seminole High School marching band and its efforts to raise money for its Jan. 1 trip to the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. Below: Wayne "Above and Beyond" Clark hangs from the rim after a slam dunk.
Article published on Tuesday, March 27, 2012Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved.
|
Senior leadership
|
Wrestling excellence Osceola’s Harriott scores record
SEMINOLE – Osceola High School wrestler Jordan Harriott knows what it’s like to be perfect. The senior captain pushed his record in the 160-pound weight class to 30-0, a journey that was aided greatly by his 17 pins. Article published on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. | ||
Warhawks hope to reverse their fortunes from a year ago
SEMINOLE – With a strong core of returning players and a new coaching staff, the Seminole Warhawks are set to start another high school baseball season.
Last season, the Warhawks were favored to win a district title but their season was cut short following a shutout at the hands of Tarpon Springs in the first round of the tournament. Seminole finished the season 19-7. “Hopefully this year you will see a big difference and everyone will get a chance to shine,” said senior Brett Phillips, who recently signed with North Carolina State. “Seminole has always been prime with baseball and even though we have talked about winning a championship in the past, this year we are going to have to really work at it.” Article published on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2012. Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
District Champs
Tarik Salkicic (6) of Seminole dribbles around a Dixie Hollins defender Jan. 25 in the finals of the Class 4A-District 10 boys soccer tournament at Seminole. The Warhawks posted a 7-0 shutout and improved to 13-3-2. Seminole hosted Dover Strawberry Crest Jan. 31 in the regional quarterfinals. Regional semifinals are Friday Feb. 3.
Article published on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2012. Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved.
| ||
Osceola Signings
(Above) Osceola High School Senior Adam Stephany, center, sits with his parents John and Kirsten Stephany, as he signs a national letter of intent on Feb. 2 to play soccer at Eckerd College. Stephany has a 3.1 grade-point average and hopes to go into a career related in sports.
Stephany (Left) and Alexi Cortez (Right). Alexi Cortez of Largo, a midfielder on the Osceola High School boys soccer teams signs Feb. 2 with Jacksonville University. Cortez also plays soccer with Tampa Bay United. He plans to major in biochemistry.
Article published on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011. Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved.
|
Former dentist takes over Warhawks' baseball program
SEMINOLE – After a lengthy search, Seminole High School Principal Walter Weller recently named Jeffery Pincus head baseball coach.
Pincus, a former practicing dentist and a chemistry teacher at Seminole, was notified July 21. He replaces Greg Olsen who stepped down in June to pursue a coaching job at Calvary Christian School. Article published on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011. Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
Local organization sends cards to soldiers
SEMINOLE – A Seminole organization called Cards 4 Soldiers brought cheer this holiday season to a large number of the nation’s military personnel overseas.
The card giving crew, headed by Cheryl Mesick and Sheilanne Carlin were able to send over 18,875 Christmas cards to soldiers stationed in Afghanistan. It was a small idea that blossomed into a holiday tradition. Article published on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. | ||
Up in the Air
Attempt at Guinness world record comes up short
SEMINOLE – Bill Marra of Seminole attempted to achieve a feat that would last a lifetime, breaking a Guinness World Record at Tropicana Field.
For nearly 20 years, he wanted to break the world record for the longest indoor flight of a paper airplane. Article published on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
Spectacular Performance
Members of the Seminole High school marching band perform in exhibition Oct. 1 during the 35th annual Seminole Sound Spectacular at Seminole High. Seventeen other high school bands competed in the event. Tarpon Springs took home top honors. Photo published on Wednesday, October 13, 2011 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved.
|
Baseball team looks ahead to 2012 season
SEMINOLE – With 2011 district championship chances cut to a quick close, Seminole High School’s baseball team is looking to improve next year with fresh talent and big improvements........
Article published on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. | ||
Krehbiel prepares for next step
SEMINOLE – For Seminole High senior Joey Krehbiel, his journey with baseball has given him friends, luck and greater appreciation for the sport he loves......
Article published on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
Jennings leads by example
SEMINOLE – For Seminole High School senior outfielder Casey Jennings, baseball has always been about one thing – having fun. It is that reason he plays the game passionately and it is that drive that gives him the appearance of a role model....
Article published on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
Seminole McGathey shines on the mound
SEMINOLE – For Seminole High School sophomore Alex McGathey, baseball has shaped both his personality and skills to become one of the rising players on the team.....
Article published on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
Baseball teams kicks off season.
SEMINOLE – Baseball has started and Seminole High School’s team of players, coaches, staff and boosters are preparing for a season bound with obstacles, memories and a continuing goal to remain one of the top teams in Pinellas County.
Article published on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
Sardo sees this season as a reward.
SEMINOLE – As a senior on the Seminole High School baseball team, Giovanni “Johnny” Sardo sees this season as both a reward and redemption.
Article published on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
Meyer achieves success with his bat.
SEMINOLE – Seminole High School senior baseball standout Jordan Meyer displays his steadfast work ethic both on the field and in the classroom......
Article published on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |