08.24.17 Windermere Observer by Orange Observer

WINDERMERE

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. FREE

VOLUME 2, NO. 47

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Pigskin possibilities See inside for our special 2017 high-school football preview. INSIDE.

Caring for Carter The family of 3-year-old Carter McPherson is reaching out to the community for fundraising ideas to help with mounting medical bills. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

hursday was a good day

New Publix to open this month DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER

In just a few days, the Hamlin community will have a new grocery store to call its own. The new Publix store — located at the northwest corner of Hamlin Groves Trail and New Independence Parkway — is the second commer-

HORIZON WEST

for 3-year-old Carter

SEE PUBLIX PAGE 7

McPherson. Not all days

are, but Thursday was. He felt well enough to rummage through the refrigerator for a snack, well enough to carry his foam sofa into the family room to watch television, well enough to play a game with his mother and well enough to show off his jumping skills on the mini trampoline outside.

SEE PAGE 4

Carter McPherson, 3, enjoys swinging in his backyard.

BY THE NUMBERS

1,040 1,917 2,642

Bridgewater Middle’s capacity

Current enrollment as of June 1, 2017

Projected 201920 Bridgewater Middle enrollment

1,215

Relief-school capacity

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Parents balk at proposal to move Bridgewater students

YOUR TOWN PAPERS WIN STATE AWARDS The West Orange Times & Observer and Windermere Observer newspapers combined to win 17 awards — including four first-place nods — in the Florida Press Association’s 2016 Better Weekly Newspaper Contest. The first-place awards include Best Headline (Jessica Eng); Portfolio Photography (Michael Eng); Sports Spot News Story (Steven Ryzewski); and Arts and Entertainment Reporting (Brittany Gaines). The paper also received 11 second-place awards and two third-place awards. The awards were presented during the Florida Media Conference Aug. 11 in Naples.

FOOTBALL FANFARE

School board member Pam Gould presented an option to move students to West Orange High’s Ninth-Grade Center. GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

Although parents and Orange County Public Schools officials agree overcrowding continues to be a problem at Bridgewater Middle School, the best solution to that problem remains uncertain. During a community meeting held Monday, Aug. 21, District 4

School Board member Pam Gould proposed two options to alleviate overcrowding. One option involved adding about 30 more portables to the campus at a cost of $50,000, which already has 49 portables. The second option was to temporarily house students who would SEE BRIDGEWATER PAGE 6

Wolverine Nation came out in full force for Windermere High’s first football game. PAGE 3.

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

FRIDAY, AUG. 25

YOUR CALENDAR

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

SATURDAY, AUG. 26

EIGHTH ANNUAL ORLANDO FALL HOME & GARDEN SHOW Noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, at the Orange County Convention Center, West Hall E 1&2, 9400 Universal Blvd., Orlando. Cost is $9 for ages 17 and older, free for attendees under 16, $7 for seniors 65 and older and $7 with a military ID. (407) 685-1061.

GIRL SCOUTS RECRUITMENT FAIR 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at Ascension Church, 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Join the Dr. Win community for an afternoon of fun while learning about Girl Scouts. For more information, contact Georgia MacKenzie at join_drwin_ girlscouts@yahoo.com. THE OCTOPUS’ GARDEN 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Welcome to the world of the octopus. Travel under the sea and learn how these creatures use adaptations to survive. Ages 4 to 8. For more information, call (407) 835-7323.

FAMILY FOOD TRUCK NIGHT 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, outside of Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. For more, visit town.windermerefl.us. WINDERMERE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m. Fridays outside of Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. For more, visit windermererotary.org.

SUNDAY, AUG. 27

A HEALTHIER TASTE OF THE J Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, at the Rosen JCC, 11184 S.

Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. This event will feature classic food vendors, healthier food vendors, a health fair and children’s activities. For more information, visit rosenjcc.org.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 30

TUESDAY, SEPT. 5

ROTARY CLUB OF WINDERMERE Meets at 6:54 a.m. Tuesdays, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. For more, visit windermererotary.org.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. For more information, visit town. windermerefl.us.

WINDERMERE HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE 6 to 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, at Windermere High School, 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Windermere.

LIFEBRIDGE CHURCH WOMEN’S FALL EVENT 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, at the church, 12120 Chase Road, Windermere. This event, titled “In the Waiting,” will feature women sharing stories of finding God through their challenges. For more information, visit lifebridgechurch.org.

GIRL SCOUTS PARENT NIGHT 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (for grades kindergarten, first, fourth and fifth) and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (for grades second, third and sixth through 12th) Thursday, Sept. 7, at Ascension Church, 4950 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando. Join the Dr. Win community for an afternoon of fun while learning about Girl Scouts. For more,

THURSDAY, SEPT. 7

contact Georgia MacKenzie at join_drwin_girlscouts@yahoo. com.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 14

MEGA CHALLAH BAKE 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at Rosen JCC, 11184 S. ApopkaVineland Road, Orlando. For more information, visit jewsihorlando.com.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 16

‘FALSETTOS’ 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at Theatre South Playhouses, 7601 Della Drive, Suite 15, Orlando. “Falsettos,” a musical, features a look at a modern family in the mid-80s. Tickets are $30 to $45, and proceeds benefit the Acts of Love and Kindness Scholarship Fund. For more information, call (407) 489-4458 or visit theatresouthplayhouse. org.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Improvements to town rec center anger residents Residents fear an increase in rec center visitors would have detrimental effects on the environment. GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

The cheerleaders were excited for their first sideline action.

And so it begins W

indermere High School’s fanbase didn’t have to travel far to cheer on the Wolverines in their first football game in school history. The Wolverines took on the West Orange High School Warriors Friday, Aug. 18, at West Orange, in a preseason contest to cap the first week at the new school. Although the Wolverines, which have no senior class this year, lost to the Warriors 70-0, the school’s band, cheerleaders and dance team kept the visiting crowd energized and excited throughout the evening.

Above: The Windermere football team played a tough game in its debut. Left: Mickenzie Hannon loved performing as part of the Windermere marching band.

— MICHAEL ENG

Trent Guillen wore his Wolverine pride on his face.

ONLINE Ava Czyzewski, Bella Dimeo and Erin Welsh were among the loudest Wolverine fans.

See more photos at

OrangeObserver.com

WINDERMERE Homeowners who reside on Lake Crescent near the Windermere Recreation Center are shocked by the town’s overall plans for the park. With more improvements in progress to make sure the park is used, residents say this is not what they had in mind when they donated what used to be known as the Butler Bay Recreation Area to the town of Windermere and gave it $25,000 to make minor improvements to the park. With concerns over the loss of vegetation and disturbance to the local wildlife, many believe the town’s improvements are doing harm. They added that they were unaware of all the renovations and additional structures being added to the park, despite the fact that the town advertised the improvements in the paper and the town’s website and social media sites. “From what I understand, there were three HOAs that had neglected the park for quite some time,” Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith said. “They weren’t taking care of the community center or the tennis courts in the park, so it was a pretty unused park for quite some time. And the HOA decided to go ahead and donate it to the town of Windermere, which makes it a public park.” The town has since invested $150,000 to $200,000 on the park’s infrastructure improvements, which includes the resurfacing and renovation of the tennis courts, fences, parking lot, the addition of security cameras, repairs to the bridge that connects the island to the mainland, the construction of a pavilion in place of the old community center and the addition of a sand volleyball court. All that’s left is the addition of a playground, which will be located near the tennis courts, and a kayak launch, which will be attached to the fishing pier. The idea behind the improvements is to attract more people to the park, but some residents believe more people might dis-

turb the pristine condition of the environment and decrease lake quality. “Some of the things they’re planning on doing, they should refrain from doing,” resident Mark Griffin said. “It’s a beautiful park the way it is. You don’t really need a dock for people to get in a kayak. So it’s a bit puzzling they felt compelled to spend all that money to build additional structures, particularly if it’s encroaching on that sanctuary.” Griffin emphasized that many of his neighbors and other homeowners who were part of the HOA that donated the park to the town were surprised when they learned of the town’s intentions. “According to the people I talked to, there was never any approval to open it up to the world, and they never thought that would happen, but of course they didn’t stipulate that properly within their documentation,” Griffin said. “No. 1, it was never a private lake,” Smith said. “They have no ownership of that lake. No. 2, the minute they donated the park to the town of Windermere, which is a public entity, it becomes a public park.” Another grievance involved the location chosen for the sand volleyball court. Griffin said the town placed the court where all the sandhill cranes were, and now the cranes have not been back. In addition, the land surrounding the court has become muddy. Smith said the town was not aware the location was once a primary hangout spot for the sandhill cranes. The town will be putting up hedges to block the view of the volleyball court for a nearby homeowner. “It’s just a shame — we should have been paying attention,” Griffin said. “Every neighbor in our area went to the meeting with the town manager the night before with concerns and questions, and a number of them wanted to pursue this further and get an attorney, but I don’t know what we’re going to do. We’re just disappointed.”

“It’s a beautiful park the way it is. You don’t really need a dock for people to get in a kayak. So it’s a bit puzzling they felt compelled to spend all that money to build additional structures, particularly if it’s encroaching on that sanctuary.” — Mark Griffin

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CARTER’S FAVORITES

Carter was diagnosed with leukemia in February. The toddler, who has already endured six months of chemotherapy treatments, still has another two-andone-half years to go. John Paul and Tiffany McPherson have been riding an emotional and financial roller coaster for six months. Last fall, the family moved from Destin to a rental home in Summerport, paying first and last months’ rent. When the owner decided to sell the house a few months later, the family was forced to move a second time, this time just a few miles north in Winter Garden. Again, first and last months’ rent had to be paid, putting a squeeze on the family finances.

COLOR: Blue FOOD: Pizza and Chick-fil-A nug-

me here and making me better.’ … I say, ‘Yes, buddy, this is to make you strong like Hulk so you can go out and play.’”

FINALLY, A DIAGNOSIS

SEEKING SUPPORT

gets

TV SHOWS: “Mutt & Stuff” and

“America’s Funniest Home Videos” MOVIES: “Minions,” “The Secret Life of Pets” HOW TO HELP Anyone who wants to donate money to help the McPherson family pay for Carter’s medical bills can do so on the GoFundMe page, gofundme.com/supportfor-carter.

WINDERMERE

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com News Editor Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@Orange Observer.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writers Brittany Gaines, bgaines@Orange Observer.com

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It was around the holidays that Carter’s symptoms surfaced. The usually active toddler was complaining of leg and back pain and didn’t want to do anything but lie on the sofa, Tiffany McPherson said. He didn’t feel like playing with his sisters, Rhyle, 13, and Kensey, 9, either. To ease her son’s pain, she gave him Motrin; this seemed to temporarily help, but she needed answers. Three different pediatricians attributed Carter’s symptoms to growing pains; X-rays didn’t find anything abnormal. “I would give him Motrin, and it would subdue the symptoms of what he had so he could function,” McPherson said. “When we’d go into the pediatrician’s office, they’d give him a test — jump, stand on one leg — and he would do it (because of the Motrin). So they dismissed it.” The mother accepted the diagnosis at first, but after several weeks, she felt it had to be something more serious. “He’s (normally) full boy, running, jumping, riding scooters, riding bikes,” she said. “He went from that to lying on the couch not wanting to do anything.” The McPhersons finally got the answer after visiting Dr. Pamela Ponce at All About Kids Pediatrics. “I told her, ‘I need you to act like a mom right now, not a doctor,’” McPherson said. Ponce performed an X-ray, which was normal — but she also ordered blood work. The results came back as Pre-B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. John Paul and Tiffany McPherson took their son to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, and Carter’s treatment began. “I think God knew what He was doing when He moved us down here,” McPherson said. “I’ve been wanting to move down here for six years. … It was all in God’s timing that we came down here when we did. This hospital is phenomenal with children.” Carter has been on and off steroids, causing the toddler to gain 25 pounds and develop mood swings that have been tough on everyone, including him. He has a port near his left ribs for administering his medicines. “He feels the needle every time,” McPherson said. “He is the best kid when it comes to that. … I tell him every time we go, ‘Mommy is taking you to make you better.’ He’s 3 years old and is nervous. He’s allowed to cry. But every time we leave he looks at me and tells me, ‘Thank you, Mommy, for bringing

In addition to medical support, Arnold Palmer Hospital has provided resources, too, that have helped the McPherson family financially. Organizations have assisted with rent and utilities and offered food and gas cards. Another took several children to the Apple Store and bought them iPads to pass the time during hospital stays and doctor visits. Every little bit helps, McPherson said. The bill for Carter’s first nine days in the hospital was $173,000; his second stay was close to that. “Insurance is paying most of that, but we’ll be in debt forever,” she said. There are so many little expenses that add up quickly, she said, including road tolls and meals out. Because Carter is only 3, someone must be with him at all times when he’s in the hospital; he can’t even be alone if McPherson wants to run to the cafeteria for a bite to eat. She packs snacks and sandwiches to save money. Last week, McPherson shared her family’s story on social media and asked for fundraising ideas. What she didn’t expect was the outpouring of donations to her GoFundMe Support for Carter account. As of Monday afternoon, it had reached $3,800. “It’s unbelievable to me that strangers are willing to reach out,” she said. McPherson also is collecting toy and snack donations for Carter’s clinic. A large cabinet holds candy and chips for the children undergoing treatment, but it is stocked solely by the parents. McPherson said she is getting through this period with the support of two mothers, one whose child just reached the three-year mark but has relapsed and another whose child is a week behind Carter in the treatment phase. “All the concerns, all the questions, all the stupid questions — they’re there, and they answer them or help me understand,” she said. McPherson said she fell to her knees and cried when she heard the words cancer back in February, but she has since learned that this type has a 98% curability rate. “If you’re going to get leukemia, this is the one to get,” she said. Carter just completed a five-day chemotherapy treatment with a home-visit nurse. “He just lost his hair, which I prayed to God he wouldn’t,” she said. “I can honestly say he’s the cutest boy with his bald head.” Anyone with fundraising ideas can contact McPherson at (850) 200-6385 or tnycole1@hotmail. com.

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The Windermere Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The Windermere Observer also can be found in commercial locations and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. If you wish to subscribe to, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 6562121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER The Windermere Observer (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $40 per year ($50 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the Windermere Observer, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Bridgewater battle

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be zoned to go to Bridgewater’s relief school in 2019 at the West Orange High’s Ninth-Grade Center for a year until the new school is completed. The cost, Gould said, is undetermined, but the majority would stem from busing. “My thoughts were, ‘Do we keep plopping portables down there, or do we look for a space, such as this one, that could act as a swing school as we try to manage the growth that we’re having over here?” Gould said. “And could we rezone an entire year early so that the middle-school population that would be together in the new middle school would come here for one year and then go into their new building?” However, the overwhelming consensus among the roughly 100 parents in attendance was that they would rather stick it out at Bridgewater and endure the traffic than move their kids — again. “Some of these kids have been to two different elementary schools, and now the middle school is overcrowded,” said parent Julie Sadlier, who has an eighth-grader at Bridgewater. “We foresaw this because they added so many elementary schools ... so if you add that many elementary schools but you haven’t added a middle school, they’re going to graduate and flood the middle school.” If OCPS chose the second option, Gould said, OCPS would transfer all the classes, programs and electives students would have at the new school to the temporary facility and then move it all again once the relief school is open. Despite Gould’s assurance to

have a smooth transition to the relief school, many parents still felt uneasy about the suggestion to house students at West Orange’s Ninth-Grade Center. They cited concerns ranging from mold and safety to the close proximity to the high school-age students, and most notably, the emotional impact on the students who risk a disjointed experience. “It’s better to keep all of the kids together and maybe look at doing alternate schedules — anything that they need to do to keep the kids there, because having them come here is not a viable option, and it’s not a safe option either,” said parent Melissa Scire, who has a sixth-grader at Bridgewater. As of June 1, 2017, Bridgewater had 1,917 students enrolled — nearly double its capacity of 1,040. According to Gould, the over-capacity school is anticipated to grow by 400 more students next year. OCPS expects it will need a relief school to relieve the Bridgewater relief school by 2021, which would open in 2023. Acknowledging the strong concerns parents expressed during the meeting, Gould assured parents’ opinions will be considered before any decisions are made by the school board and urged everyone to take the web-based survey on which option they prefer. The survey will be included on the school website’s home page. “(The survey results) will play a pretty large role, because I’m the one leading this question in this charge,” Gould said. “Nobody else is saying, ‘Hey, we want to create a swing school for you.’ So it’ll weigh pretty heavily on which direction I take to the board.”

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cial development to come to the Hamlin Town Center, following behind the Walmart Supercenter, which opened across the street in November 2016. Construction was behind schedule because of a fire that broke out at the building in February, but the 54,244-squarefoot-store is now set to open its doors at 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, Publix officials confirmed. As part of Horizon West’s “new suburbanism” concept, it will offer bicycle parking to accommodate cyclists, while also serving those leaving for or returning from work via State Road 429. According to county documents, the store also includes a 1,906-square-foot pharmacy and lounge area.

Another aspect unique to the Hamlin location is a large mural on the supermarket’s exterior, a nod to the rural orange groves — and the Hamlin community’s namesake, the hamlin orange — that once consumed much of West Orange County. It’s all part of Boyd Development’s $1 billion Hamlin community and town center, which ultimately will become a hub for dining, retail and entertainment in the Horizon West area. Hamlin Cove Publix is the anchor tenant of what will be a 200,000-square-foot shopping center with at least 10 additional retailers. A main street leads from the grocery store to the future shopping center, which is anchored by upcoming luxury movie theater Cinépolis, set to open in the first half of 2018.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Danielle Hendrix

HAMLIN COVE PUBLIX 5400 Hamlin Groves Trail, Winter Garden WEBSITE: publix.com/ locations /1567-hamlincove 247782

Publix opening

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

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249633

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Founded in 1976 ASSE International Student Exchange Program is a Non-Profit, Public Benefit Organization. For privacy reasons, photos above

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

ARTS + CULTURE LISTEN TO THIS HapCo Arts & MusicFest

4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at the Oakland Town Center, 221 N. Arrington St. The event will feature live music, including Pocket Change, Spayed Koolie, DaCapo Trio, NextGen Jazztet and A Cosmic Gathering Jam. There also will be food trucks, children’s activities and exhibiting artists and local businesses. For more information, visit hapcoartandmusicfestival.com.

ENJOY THIS Jazz Jam Weekend

Brittany Gaines

Windermere resident Larry Roofner got his start in woodworking as a high schooler and hasn’t stopped creating projects since.

8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, and Saturday, Aug. 26; and 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, at Pilars Martini, 146 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Saxophone player David Mac-Kenzie will be the featured jazz musician during the three nights of jazz, which will culminate in an “old-school” jam session on Sunday. Sign up to jam by 5:30 p.m. (407) 369-8900.

WATCH THIS Florida Festival of New Musicals

Plane&

simple

Windermere resident Larry Roofner has been a lifelong woodworker, known for his hand-carved rocking chairs. BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER

arry Roofner’s lifelong passion for woodworking al-

Thursday, Aug. 24 to Sunday, Aug. 27, at the Winter Park Playhouse, 711 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park. This fourday event showcases newly written musicals that have never been independently produced and brings together the writers and composers of the works selected. Tickets are $10 per show and can be purchased at winterparkplayhouse.org. For more information, call (407) 645-0145.

most came to an end in 2009. He was riding his bike to the YMCA when he was

hit by a car. He suffered eight spinal fractures and wasn’t expected to survive. But after five months in the hospital and another several months of being bedridden, he finally returned to his wood shop 16 months after the accident.

SEE PAGE 10

SCULPTURED ROCKING CHAIRS BY LARRY ROOFNER

WEBSITE: beautifulwoodart.com PHONE: (407) 876-6706 EMAIL: lroofner2@gmail.com

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

SUNDAYS FROM 5PM - 8PM Join us for live community-driven jazz interplay, inspired by the 194o's and so's, hosted by master pianists Chris Rottmayer & Per Danielsson. AND sign up before 5:30 for your chance

lf11,J!,r�

146 w. PIANT ST. IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

247079

to jam ;n the ses,;on!

Blair M. Johnson

Attorney At Law • 407-656-5521 425 South Dillard St. • Winter Garden, FL 34787

Proudly serving West Orange County for over 36 years.

www.blairjohnsonlaw.com

Your Grand Adventure Begins! A Senior Living Community

Larry Roofner is known for his beautiful rocking chairs, but he also creates lamps, side tables and barstools.

Creative comfort

• Real estate: Contracts, Closings, Short Sales, Deed in Lieu • And other matters 247059

• Wills/Advance Directives • Estates • Corporation/LLC • Commercial transactions • Landlord/Tenant

Brittany Gaines

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

He used to make ornate doors, but now, the doors are too heavy to work with because of his injuries. That’s when he turned his attention to rocking chairs, although he knew it wouldn’t be an easy process. “I consider making rocking chairs a therapy for me,” he said. “Chairs are hard to build and hard to make comfortable,” Roofner said. But he was inspired by famous woodworker and rocking chair maker Sam Maloof. “I copied his style of rocking chair, but I think I improved on it,” Roofner said. He knows he’s made a good chair when people sigh with delight as they sit down. “They go ‘ahh’ as soon as they sit down, and that’s a wonderful reaction,” Roofner said. Roofner’s love of woodworking dates back to high school.

“Everybody had to take some kind of arts class, so I took wood shop,” said Roofner, who lives in Windermere. “I always was good with my hands.” After that first class, he was hooked. “I always did it as a hobby, then I realized I could make money doing it,” Roofner said. Each rocking chair takes about 80 hours over the course of two months to complete. The entire chair starts out as two-inch planks. At the start of a project, he lays all the pieces on the ground to decide which pieces should become the back, seat, arms and legs of the chair. The key, he said, is looking at the movement in the wood to determine where each piece will go. Once each piece is cut to its appropriate shape, Roofner begins the long process of sanding. “It’s a lot of grinding and sanding and sanding and sanding some more,” he said. “I get it so it blends together.” Roofner works solely with hardwoods, which requires shopping at specialty wood stores. Once, he managed to acquire a supply of Kauri wood, a 50,000-year-old wood harvested from peat bogs in New Zealand. Roofner’s Kauri rocking chair is now his favorite. “It was really a pleasure to work with the Kauri wood,” he said. His work was most recently recognized at an exhibition at SoBo Gallery in Winter Garden. There, one of his rocking chairs was awarded the Top Choice Award for the 3D art category. Roofner used to spend eight hours a day out in his wood shop attached to his garage. Now, he’s limited his time in the shop to between two and three hours a day. But he’ll probably never give up his passion. “I don’t know what I would do without my woodwork,” Roofner said. “My life would be boring without woodworking.” In addition to his rocking chairs, he also creates lamps, side tables and barstools. But no matter what project, Roofner said he simply loves the creative process. “To take a rough piece of wood and work with it and shape it, when it all comes together, it’s a beautiful thing,” he said.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

OPENING SOON!

Allen’s celebrates miracles at second fundraising event

At Last....Resort style hospitality featuring a refined Floridian Lifestyle

llen’s Creamery in Windermere was bustling with music, games and more Saturday, Aug. 19, during its annual Ice Cream & Miracles fundraiser. The event raises funds for Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. Kids got to play around bubble machines, win prizes and get their faces painted, while everyone got to tour the hospital’s mobile NICU unit and enjoy some ice cream.

Miles Boseo had a blast playing with a beanbag game.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Right: Faraz Sawyer really enjoyed his Superman ice cream.

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At Sonata West, you can choose from 78 spacious Independent and 35 Assisted living units amid 139,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed and harmonious living space.

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To advertise in this section call 407-656-2121

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Get hooked on great Service! Trane Comfort Specialists. Quality Work & Customer Satisfaction is our #1 Priority Call us and catch a great deal!

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1319 Green Forest Ct, Suite 412 Winter Garden, FL 34787

www.DuncansACOrlando.com Join us in congratulating Dr. David Boers for being voted TOP DENTIST in Windermere 2016 by Orlando Family Magazine

Lilly Barnett, Kaleigh Ritti, Mary Walker and Sonia Mistry teamed up to paint the perfect parking space.

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SUNSATIONAL SUNSATIONAL SUMMER SAVINGS!

Birthday $5 OFF $5 OFF of on your purchase Bash! $20 or more

SUMMER SAVINGS!

Amanda Self, Emma Stanley and Sophia Ross painstakingly painted a sunflower scene.

espite the blazing Saturday morning heat, many Wolverines brought family and friends to school with them as they painted their parking spaces Aug. 19. While painting parking spaces is normally a tradition for seniors, Windermere High — which has no seniors this year — allowed its students to join in on the fun for their inaugural year. Designs ranged from bright colors and geometric designs to phrases, scenes and more.

on your purchase of or more With this$20 coupon • Expires July 31, 2017 All during August, we’re celebrating With thisyear coupon Expires July 31, 2017 our first in•our big, beautiful, West Orange Habitat West Orange Habitat air-conditioned store.

for Humanity ReStore for Humanity ReStore 13369 West Colonial Drive

13369 Colonial Drive (between 9th and DillardWest Street, behind Taco Bell in Winter Garden) (between 9th and Dillard Street, behind Taco Bell in Winter Garden)

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm. Closed Sunday Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm. Closed Sunday

Donation (407) 905-0406 DonationHotline: Hotline:(407)905-0406 (407)905-0406

Left: Sam Marzella got creative with the details on his spot. Above: Colby Milchin worked on filling in a smiley face on her parking spot.

247092 242357

www.westorangehabitat.org www.westorangehabitat.org

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— DANIELLE HENDRIX

ONLINE

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

“Because You Care” “Family Owned & Operated” Family Owned & Operated

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Kindergarten teacher Megan Croft enjoyed the night with her son, Colton.

three lOcatiOns FOr M a iyOur t l a n d cOmFOrt

Left: Student Karelyz enjoyed the event with her mom and sisters, Kiara and Kaylee.

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Food trucks roll into Bay Lake

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www.D GDusipE w wEw. e G u sFi punERAl e F u n e rH a l omE H o m.eCom .com “We have the largest chapel in West Orange County.” Owned and operated by the Romano family.

ay Lake Elementary School capped the first week of school with its second annual Welcome Back Food Truck Night Friday, Aug 18. Students, parents and friends enjoyed a night of food, fun and socializing to celebrate the new school year.

407-614-8350

— GABBY BAQUERO

“That’s My Wish”

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Third-grade teacher Lucy Ko-Lee brought her son, Jackson, and daughter, Jacqueline, to the event.

www.winteroakfuneralhome.com

1132 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • LIC #F080822

Right: Javier Santana and Diana Villamil tossed a ball around with their son, Dylan.

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

Serving Southwest Orange County

INSIDE

Meet Olympia setter Lorissa King PAGE 17

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE

•

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015

At last! Work begins on relief school Officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Orange County high school Sept. 24. STORY ON 6 ARTS+CULTURE

The secret life of

MAYOR BRUHN West Orange High thespians dish up a spoonful of sugar.

PAGE 13

Welcome to your new hometown newspaper MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

David Haynes

Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn strikes the only suitable pose when holding a glass from “The Godfather.”

Since the 1980s — far longer than he has been mayor of Windermere — Gary Bruhn has collected and sold movie memorabilia. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4

YOUR TOWN SCOTT APPOINTS AREA RESIDENT Gov. Rick Scott announced Sept. 18 two appointments and one reappointment to the Florida Virtual School Board of Trustees. Robert Gidel Sr., of Windermere, is the managing partner at Liberty Capital. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term that began Sept. 18 and ends Sept. 10, 2017. He joins Iris Gonzalez, of Tierra Verde, on the board.

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

THE GROVE ORLANDO BOOGIES AT BIRTHDAY BASH

What you’re holding in your hands is the product of more than a year of planning. It’s the product of our wildest dreams — a bold step for a company that last month celebrated our 110th anniversary. Welcome, readers, to the first edition of the Windermere Observer, a sister paper of the West Orange Times & Observer, which has roots that date back to the Winter Garden Ricochet in 1905. For more than a century, our newspaper — through all its previous owners and iterations — covered the entire West Orange region with just one edition. Today, that changes. Put simply: West Orange has grown too large for one hyperlocal community newspaper. For longtime readers: this new Windermere Observer will cover Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Gotha and MetroWest, while the West Orange Times & Observer will renew its focus on Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland. As the 10th newspaper owned by the Sarasota-based Observer Media Group, the Windermere Observer will strive to deliver on OMG’s slogan: “You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.”

For the celebration of a lifetime, let us plan every detail.

Postal Customer

SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 10

SEE NEWSPAPER PAGE 6

Call us at 407-656-2121 Email us at AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com or Subscribe@OrangeObserver.com

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We offer a non-traditional setting for families to feel comfortable when planning for themselves or their loved ones. For more information and a complete list of prices, please visit our website: www.cremationchoicesfl.com

CHURCH DIRECTORY

EPISCOPAL

CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd., Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 6:30pm. 407-876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

Non-Denominational HAVEN OF GRACE BIBLE CHURCH 13520 Foxcrest Blvd. Winter Garden, FL 34787 Services 9:30 and 10:30AM 407-952-0510

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

This page appears weekly in the Windermere Observer and online at orangeobserver.com.

To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email sfelt@orangeobserver.com

NOW ENROLLING! PRE-SCHOOL AGES 3-6

Interested in a Montessori Education, with a Christian Worldview, for your preschool child? Learn more now by emailing Preschool Director Ginger Allen at ginger@MatthewsHopeMinistries.org

Please come out and meet our staff and take a tour of the facility.

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“Home of the area’s first certified therapy dog. Feel free to stop in and say hello to Charley Girl!”

W EAT HER

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

FORECAST THURSDAY, AUG. 24 High: 92 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 50%

FRIDAY, AUG. 25 High: 91 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 80%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Aug. 24

7:57p

Friday, Aug. 25

7:01a

7:56p

Saturday, Aug. 26

7:02a

7:55p

Sunday, Aug. 27

7:02a

7:54p

Monday, Aug. 28

7:02a

7:53p

Tuesday, Aug. 29

7:03a

7:52p

Wednesday, Aug. 30

7:03a

7:51p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, AUG. 26 High: 88 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 80%

Winter Garden resident Rachel Berning took this amazing photo at sunrise over Speer Lake in Winter Garden. “I took it the morning my aunt passed away, so I’d like to call it, ‘Morning Glory,’ in honor of her kind and loving spirit,” she says. The Windermere Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name, city and a caption, to amyq@orangeobserver.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.

Aug. 7 Full

Aug. 14 Last

Aug. 21 New

RAINFALL Tuesday, Aug. 15

0.00

SUNDAY, AUG. 27

Wednesday, Aug. 16

0.04

High: 87 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 40%

Thursday, Aug. 17

0.16

Friday, Aug. 18

0.00

Saturday, Aug. 19

0.00

Sunday, Aug. 20

0.00

Monday, Aug. 21

0.00

See other winning photos at OrangeObserver.com

YEAR TO DATE:

AUG. TO DATE:

2017 21.45 in.

2017

2016 33.60 in.

2016 6.38 in.

.97 in.

246958

ONLINE

Aug. 29 First

104 Word that ends a prayer 105 Deli creation 106 Theater backdrop 111 Four things bought in bags 115 A bundle of nerves 116 Participate in a hunger strike 117 Respond to a rooster’s crow 118 ___ vera 119 Nay follower 120 Skip town 121 Moisten, as grass 122 Definitely not straight

DOWN

ACROSS

1 “Ahem!” relative 5 Reporter who travels with troops 10 Already cut, as lumber 14 Kind of bar that serves Asian delicacies 19 “... and to ___ good night!” 20 Gadget with which to point and click 21 States of anger or bad feelings 22 “Crocodile Rock” singer John 23 Five things you buy in cans 27 “Shop ‘til you drop” episode

28 “What a great discovery!” 29 “And while ___ the subject ...” 30 Baby cradle? 31 Lively, agile and active 33 ___ step of the way 34 Causes to be bogged down 35 Entirely, to Caesar 39 Mythical god of war 40 Dusk, to poets of old 41 Hollow center? 43 Two things bought in boxes 50 Spooky and uncanny 51 Offhand “Didn’t see you there” 53 The O’Hara estate of

literature 54 Et ___ (and others) 55 Furry TV alien 56 “And ___ we go!” 57 Theologian and pastor R.C. 59 Fisher’s gadget 60 Completely fit to drive 62 Bangkok language 63 Ruin partner (var.) 64 Four things you buy in jars 71 “This is ___!” (crimebuster’s shout) 72 Apt name for a Dalmatian 73 Thing headed for a bull’s-eye 74 Big ___ (MLB great David Ortiz) 75 Aspen hills

78 ___ into (attacks verbally) 79 “... more, ___ merrier!” 82 Common Bartlett’s abbreviation 83 Author Morrison 84 Place for gold or coal 85 Goodbye in France 87 Two things you buy in buckets 91 Alternative to premium 93 Paid athlete 94 Varied mixture of this and that 95 Urban renewal target 96 Academy Award 99 Kind of metabolism 101 Garment for Caesar 103 On leave, for a sailor

1 Common thing for a quarterback to do 2 Feed the hogs or feed for hogs 3 Derogatory remark or drunkard’s remark 4 It’s broken at the finish line 5 Down Under fowl 6 Engine 7 Like some eyebrows or animal tails 8 Exxon before it was Exxon 9 God of Latin 10 Elegant cat 11 Tree-lined area 12 Teeny go-with 13 Grp. that monitors chatter 14 Troubadour’s six-stanza verse 15 Painful stomach problem 16 Shopper’s attraction 17 Falcon-headed Egyptian deity 18 Hotel relatives 24 Hershey competitor 25 Pearl seeker 26 2 or 3, e.g. 32 “The Raven” poet 33 “... ___ saw Elba” 35 “You got a better ___?” 36 Playwright Coward 37 Gangs protect theirs 38 Japanese kimono sash 39 Feeling sore in one’s muscles 40 Sandy shade 42 Home Depot rival 44 Impressive, airy hotel lobbies 45 “7 Faces of Dr. ___” 46 Peter of Peter, Paul and Mary 47 N.Y. city on the Allegheny River 48 Your brother’s daughter, to you

CELEBRITY CIPHER

49 Like a spider’s web 52 It’s not good to be in its By Luis Campos way Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from 56 Mr. Lincoln, informally 57 Chases off, as gnats quotations by famous people, past and present. 58 Written agreement Each letter in the cipher stands for another. between two sovereigns “WOA XPTTKATW WOKCZ J ZPU MJC 60 Activity done on two runners SH KT SVKYA J MBAJC WVPMG. 61 Quite ancient 62 Use a word processor 63 A question of identity SACWT, TMVJWMOAT JCS DPS – 64 Oblong yellow fruit (var.) 65 “Argo” film extra WOJW’T DJCBU.” 66 Fixed chicken? 67 Savory meat jelly – NBJGA TOABWHC 68 Indian bread 69 Alternative to a clothesline “LDY IDCAAYUSY, ZDYUYKYM RWV 70 Century divs. 75 How James Bond doesn’t like his martini IMYCLY CURLDNUS, NF LW 76 Cuckoo, south of the border XYMFYKYMY CUE XVFD CZCR LDY 77 ___-two punch 78 Chauffeured auto UYSCLNKY KWNIYF.” 79 Abrupt ending to a pinball game – CUUY JCUIMWHL 80 Feature of summer 81 Dollar, in many places ©2017 NEA, Inc. 84 Postal delivery 85 Shocked and horrorstricken 86 Payable now Complete the grid so that every row, column 88 Less populated and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 89 Prize ribbon’s top inclusively. 90 Distinctive styles 92 Breakfast staple 96 Actor Milo 97 Like a new penny 98 Woody thicket 99 Bland or trite 100 Provide laughs for 101 Fancy word for swollen 102 Not just overweight 103 Bible book after John 105 Sun-baked, as desert ground 107 Maryland seafood specialty 108 Rouse to anger 109 Computer desktop signpost 110 Get some face time with 112 No longer attached 113 Uber alternative 114 ___ and improved

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SPORTS

SERVE’S UP! Team-by-team varsity volleyball previews … 7

Wolverines …

Steven Ryzewski

Davarius Bargnare and his teammates want to return to state.

Panthers motivated to finish

First of their name

Dr. Phillips is eager to avenge its loss in last fall’s state championship. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

SEE EMBRACE PAGE 2

2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Photo by Steven Ryzewski

Windermere High’s Judah Martin, left, Isaiah Jackson and Gabe Deneen are all proud to be “original Wolverines” and part of the program’s first season.

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Heartbreak comes with the territory. It seems like an inescapable truth for a program with as much success and tradition as the Dr. Phillips High football team. When you’re good enough to be a statetitle contender each fall, anything less than a championship is going to be a disappointment. Sure, winning more games than most programs could dream of, being relevant every season and graduating player after player into the college football ranks is better than the alternative. But conversely, losses in the state playoffs sting more than any regular-season defeat. For Dr. Phillips’ Class of 2018 alone, there has been the 24-21 loss to Manatee in the regional championship in 2014; the 20-19 loss to Osceola in the regional championship in 2015; and then there is the headliner of the bunch — the 14-10 loss to Miami Southridge in last fall’s FHSAA Class 8A State Championship. After leading 10-0 through three quarters that night Camping World Stadium, Dr. Phillips was outscored 14-0 in the game’s final quarter. It was a painful final act for the Panthers’ Class of 2017 seniors, a group head coach Rodney Wells has said is the best to come through the program. Fortunately, painful losses are something Wells, a veteran coach

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

TOP 10 MUST-SEE GAMES OF 2017

SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILL STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Embrace the pain

here are different kinds of fans in sports. There are fans who are loyal to a particular team, and then there are fans of “the game,” at large. For the latter, we have compiled a list of the top 10 highschool football games this fall, featuring teams from our West/ Southwest Observer Preps coverage area. There is no overlap in playing dates, so we encourage the “at-large” football fan to try and catch all 10. And for the diehard fan of a particular team, we hope we’ve given you a great game to catch on your team’s bye week.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

GAME OF THE YEAR

OCT. 20 OLYMPIA AT DR. PHILLIPS, 7 P.M. Last year, for the first time since 2009, these Southwest Orange rivals met and played an exciting, competitive game of football. This year, Olympia finally should have enough star power to give Dr. Phil-

AUG. 25

OLYMPIA AT WEST ORANGE, 7 P.M. After a two-year hiatus, the Backyard Bowl has returned. The Warriors, who convincingly won the game the last time it was played in 2014, will face the Titans for the first time since head coach Kyle Hayes took over the program at Olympia and helped breathe some life into it after two down years. When the teams last played, it was West Orange who had the blue-chip quarterback (Woody Barrett), but the shoe is on the other foot this time as the Titans come to Winter Garden with Michigan-commit Joe Milton under center.

SEPT. 1

FOUNDATION ACADEMY AT THE FIRST ACADEMY, 7:30 P.M. The Foundation Academy Lions have come up short against the Royals in each of the past two seasons, but they also have improved in each of those two seasons. A common theme in each of the past two outings has been the ability of TFA’s defense to suffocate the Lions offense, allowing just 21 points combined in the two meetings. The game should serve as a good early-season indicator for both programs.

SEPT. 15

APOPKA AT DR. PHILLIPS, 7 P.M. The Blue Darters have won the past two regular-season meetings — in 2015 and 2016 — by a combined three points, underscoring just how entertaining this series has been. Although both teams graduated significant senior classes from a season ago and Apopka lost a handful of transfers to nearby Wekiva, this game still promises to be one of the best in the state during Week Four.

SEPT. 22

WEKIVA AT OLYMPIA, 7 P.M. Both Wekiva and Olympia took big steps forward in 2016 by making the playoffs. For 2017, both teams return some dynamic players and also feature talented transfer additions. This Metro Conference showdown will be one of a handful of opportunities for the Titans to score a signature win this fall.

SEPT. 29

HAGERTY AT OCOEE, 7 P.M. A budding rivalry in Class 7A, District 4, the Huskies and Knights have split their past two meetings — and the past two district championships. While the district race in 7A-4 is usually pretty wide open, and teams such as Edgewater and Lake Minneola figure to be improved, this midseason showdown still figures to have huge implications in the race for the playoffs.

OCT. 6

DR. PHILLIPS AT WEKIVA, 7 P.M. With Wekiva figuring to assert itself as one of the big dogs in Class 8A this fall, this early October showdown is all the more tantalizing. In particular, the size the Mustangs have on both their offensive and defensive line may be one of the bigger challenges the Panthers face all fall. In 2016, Dr. Phillips won this matchup, 28-7. ORANGEWOOD CHRISTIAN AT WINDERMERE PREP, 4 P.M. The Lakers ran wild over the Rams in 2016, scoring a huge 42-0 victory on the road, but Orangewood is expected to be a considerably improved team this fall.

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OCT. 13

CFCA AT LEGACY, 7 P.M. The “Eagle Bowl” pits the CFCA Eagles against the Legacy Charter Eagles in an annual game that always brings out the best in both teams. In particular, the boys in green and yellow from CFCA will be anxious for a little payback, after Legacy pitched consecutive shutouts in the 2015 and 2016 contests. Both teams feature limited roster depth, so fans can expect some old-fashioned, two-way football from the game’s standout players.

NOV. 3

WEST ORANGE AT OCOEE, 7 P.M. Given the trajectory of these two programs over the past five to 10 years, the 2016 version of this rivalry game may as well have been the Twilight Zone. A 2-7 West Orange team arrived in Ocoee to take on a 5-4 Ocoee team that was headed to the playoffs for the first time in program history. In a game that was truly a tale of two halves, the Knights dominated the Warriors early on, before West Orange mounted a furious comeback. In the end, Ocoee just barely squeezed out the 31-29 victory. With “The Shield” spending its offseason at Ocoee High for the first time since 2009, expect the Warriors to be ultramotivated to try to return it to Beulah Road.

OCT. 12

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lips a run for its money — and its reign as district champion — and we, the fans, are the biggest beneficiaries. Show up for a contest that always features high emotions and stay for the matchup between quarterbacks Joe Milton and BeSean McCray — two of Florida’s best.

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and a Dr. Phillips standout during his own varsity career, embraces. “They’re going to carry that pain from the state championship throughout every practice and throughout everything that we do,” Wells said. “All those guys that were on the field, they have a chip on their shoulders — they want to get back and finish.” That journey starts with the Panthers’ Aug. 24 opener against Orange City’s University High. It will be followed by the usual murderer’s row of big games that Wells likes to schedule, with opponents including Timber Creek, West Orange, Apopka and Daytona Beach’s Mainland High. The mission is to finish, but although there are a handful of returning starters who were on the field to feel that pain in downtown Orlando last December, there are also plenty of newcomers and returners who will be thrust into completely new roles. Luckily, Wells’ affinity for scheduling tough opponents extends to the spring and the preseason, so Dr. Phillips already has a good idea of where it stands after a convincing win over Winter Park — a regional finalist in 2016 — in the spring and an exciting 30-27 loss to Osceola — state runner-up in 2015 — Aug. 18 in a Kickoff Classic. “We’ve got a young group that’s eager,” Wells said. “I’m happy with the mesh.” Standing out among the crop of newcomers is East Ridge-transfer quarterback BeSean McCray. McCray, who joined the team earlier this year for the spring season, has been around his teammates for long enough to understand their motivation to return to the state final. “I feel like I lost, too,” McCray said. Whether or not it was his teammates’ motivation, McCray must have been channeling something in his preseason debut for the Panthers. The senior signalcaller completed 20 of his 24 pass attempts, good for 235 yards and two touchdowns. With offensive weapons such as Davarius Bargnare, Devodney Alford and Japerri Powell, coupled with McCray’s speedy mastery of the team’s system, the Panthers are looking forward to improving each week this season — and hopefully playing into late November and December, again.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

2017 Football Preview THE NEW RULES The FHSAA is rolling out two new systems for playoff qualification this fall — one for Classes 1A through 4A and another for Classes 5A through 8A. To get the best possible teams in the playoffs, the FHSAA’s leadership elected to do away with districts in the lower classifications and significantly alter the district format in the higher classifications. In the lower classifications, there are no more districts — just four regions. The top four teams from each region — decided by a new points system — will make the 16-team field for the state playoffs in those classifications. In the upper classifications, coaches and administrators wanted to preserve the tradition of the district structure, so a compromise was made. Districts were kept, and — as it was in the past — district champions from the 16 districts in each classification still make the playoffs and host a first-round game. However, instead of the district runnerup also making the playoffs, the other 16 teams (four from each of four regions) that will compete in the state playoffs will be determined by the point system. This means that a loaded district could, theoretically, have three teams make the playoffs and that a weak district may only have one team make the playoffs.

or teams in West and Southwest Orange, the actual route to Orlando and Camping World Stadium — whether taking State Road 408 from Ocoee or Interstate 4 from Dr. Phillips — isn’t far. The metaphoric route from Week One to the FHSAA State Championships, though, is another story. The FHSAA’s “Road to Orlando” begins Aug, 25 with the opening week of the regular season, and — make no mistake — there are local teams with aspirations of ending the season at Camping World Stadium. Even for the teams who may not be title contenders, though, this fall promises to be a memorable season, with several local teams bringing along talented young cores and trying to position themselves upon a solid foundation for the future. CFCA EAGLES

COACH: Jeremy Campbell 2016 RECORD: 4-6 SSAC DIVISION (2016 CHAMP):

Coastal League - Central Florida Division (Windermere Prep) PLAYERS TO WATCH: Caleb Brenyo, senior (quarterback); Donald Saunders, sophomore (wide receiver/defensive back); Macena Gay, junior (running back/defensive back) OUTLOOK: There’s no getting around the fact that the Eagles are young and lack roster depth, but Campbell — a former Clemson Tiger during his playing days — has been encouraged by the enthusiasm and eagerness of his young squad. Within their SSAC division, Windermere Prep and Orangewood figure to be two of the bigger tests for CFCA, though games against West Oaks and Cocoa Beach figure to be important barometers of how the team is progressing early in the season. On defense, expect the Eagles to be aggressive to make up for a lack of size on the front line. FUN FACT: Despite being on their fifth coach in as many seasons, the CFCA Eagles have been remarkably resilient, amassing a 19-13 record over the past three seasons. AWESOME ALUMNI: Judah Stone (c/o 2016) will be a sophomore running back at Ave Maria University this fall. As a freshman, he was the team’s No. 2 rusher and also played defense. SCHEDULE All games at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 — at Cornerstone Charter Sept. 1 — vs. West Oaks Academy Sept. 8 — vs. Windermere Prep* Sept. 15 — at Orangewood Christian* Sept. 22 — at Cocoa Beach Oct. 6 — vs. Lake Mary Prep* Oct. 13 — at Legacy Charter* Oct. 20 — vs. Avant Garde Academy Oct. 27 — SSAC Playoffs Nov. 3 — SSAC Playoffs * Denotes division opponent

DR. PHILLIPS

COACH: Rodney Wells 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 12-3; Class

8A State Runner-up

DISTRICT (2016 CHAMP): 8A-5

(Dr. Phillips)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Tanner Ingle,

senior (defensive back); BeSean McCray, senior (quarterback); John Campbell, junior (offensive line); Devodney Alford, senior (running back); Davarius Bargnare, senior (wide receiver) OUTLOOK: The Panthers are younger than they were a season ago but, arguably, no less talented. The playmaking ability and speed on offense is still there, though inexperience on defense could be a liability at times, especially early in the season. Veteran coach Rodney Wells said he likes how the personality of this team is shaping up, though. The Panthers face their usual brutal non-district schedule, and within their district this fall, Olympia promises to be a tougher opponent than it has in recent years. FUN FACT: This year marks the 30th anniversary for the Panthers, as Dr. Phillips High opened in 1987. AWESOME ALUMNI: Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix, a defensive back for the Green Bay Packers, made his first Pro Bowl last season. SCHEDULE All games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Aug. 24 (Thursday) — vs. Orange City University Sept. 1 — at Timber Creek Sept. 8 —at West Orange Sept. 15 — vs. Apopka Sept. 22 — vs. Mainland, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29 — at Oak Ridge* Oct. 6 — at Wekiva Oct. 13 — at Freedom* Oct. 20 — vs. Olympia* Oct. 26 (Thursday) — vs. Cypress Creek* * Denotes district opponent

THE FIRST ACADEMY

COACH: Leroy Kinard 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 10-1; fell in

Class 3A Regional Semifinals

REGION: 3A-R2 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Alexander

Eleyssami, senior (quarterback); Parker Mara, senior (wide receiver); Mike Shanahan, senior (offensive/defensive line); Rolous Frazier, junior (running back) OUTLOOK: After a standout season in 2016, head coach Leroy Kinard and company have many of their top playmakers back for another run at it in 2017. For the Royals, who dominated their district last year during their undefeated regular season, the end of district play is an interesting twist, though they are playing many of the same opponents this fall. Rolous Frasier is back for more after averaging nearly 10 yards per carry last fall. FUN FACT: After a strong career at Liberty University, Royals head coach Leroy Kinard played in the NFL for the New York Jets from 1991-92. AWESOME ALUMNI: Royals alum Garrett Williams is a junior tight end for the Clemson Tigers and was part of the program’s national championship team this past season. SCHEDULE Aug. 25 — vs. West Oaks, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1 — vs. Foundation Academy, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 — at Orlando Christian Prep, 7 p.m. Sept. 15 — vs. Bayshore Christian, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22 — at Calvary Christian, 7 p.m. Oct. 6 — at Four Corners, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 — vs. Trinity Prep, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 — vs. Agape Christian, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 — at Lake Highland Prep, 7 p.m. Nov. 3 — vs. The Villages, 7:30 p.m.

FOUNDATION ACADEMY COACH: Brad Lord 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 7-5; ad-

vanced to Class 2A Regional Final

REGION: 2A-R2 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Lance Ax-

son, senior (cornerback); Eddie Loos, senior (offensive/defensive line); Kenny Ames, senior (tight end/quarterback); Warren Sapp II, junior (defensive end); Gian Reyes, junior (defensive end) OUTLOOK: After a program-defining campaign in 2016, Brad Lord’s program is looking to continue to build on its positive momentum, with six returning starters on each side of the ball. This fall, the staff at Foundation is excited about its team’s size and abilities on the offensive line, as well as three returning starting receivers on the wings. One difference from years past for Lions fans is that, unlike the team relying heavily on one featured back such as Jaquan Patterson or Gabe Walker, Lord expects there to be more of a running-back-by-committee approach this fall. Finally, with the new playoff formatting, the Lions will have to do significantly more to make the playoffs than they have had to in the past, making this an intriguing season. FUN FACT: The Lions are hopeful that Foundation Academy’s on-campus athletic complex,

which will be highlighted by a new football stadium, will be ready in time for the end of the season. The Lions currently play their home games at Walker Field in Winter Garden. AWESOME ALUMNI: Brothers Darius and Denzel Irvin are a linebacker and defensive back, respectively, for the UNC-Charlotte 49ers. Both Irvin brothers made appearances in all 12 of the 49ers’ games in 2016. SCHEDULE All games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Aug. 25 — vs. Cambridge Christian Sept. 1 — at The First Academy, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 — vs. Carrollwood Day Sept. 15 — vs. Northside Christian Sept. 29 — vs. Agape Christian Oct. 6 — vs. Seven Rivers Christian Oct. 13 — at North Florida Educational Oct. 20 — vs. Bishop McLaughlin Oct. 27 — at Poinciana Nov. 3 — at Seffner Christian, 7:30 p.m.

LEGACY CHARTER

COACH: Trent Hopper 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 6-4; made

program’s first playoff appearance

SSAC DIVISION (2016 CHAMP):

Coastal League — Central Florida Division (Windermere Prep) PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jason Dennison, senior (defensive tackle); Tomas Perez, senior (offensive line/linebacker); Jalen CollinsSwift, senior (running back); Dallas Powell, junior (defensive end/ running back); Chris Lamprecht, senior (offensive line/linebacker) OUTLOOK: There is a lot of “new” within the program for the Eagles. The program’s defensive coordinator, Trent Hopper, also has assumed the role of head coach, with former head coach Jarrett Wiggers choosing to only be the team’s offensive coordinator this year so he can have more flexibility with his duties as the school’s athletics director. A large graduating class from 2016 and a few key departures mean this year’s squad is a lot more inexperienced than last year’s — arguably the best team in program history. Despite that, Legacy benefits from a consistent coaching core over the past several years that has created a culture and a system players excel in, meaning the Eagles are not to be written off by anyone. SCHEDULE All games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Aug. 25 — at Mt. Dora Christian Sept. 1 — vs. Lake Mary Prep* Sept. 8 — vs. Jupiter Christian Sept. 15 — at St. Edward’s Sept. 29 — at Windermere Prep, 4 p.m.* Oct. 6 — at Orangewood Christian* Oct. 13 — vs. CFCA* Oct. 20 — vs. TFA-Leesburg Oct. 27 — SSAC Playoffs Nov. 3 — SSAC Playoffs * Denotes district opponent

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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OCOEE

SCHEDULE All games at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 — at Cypress Creek Sept. 1 — at Wekiva Sept. 8 — at Orlando University Sept. 15 — at East River* Sept. 22 — at St. Cloud* Sept. 29 — at Lake Nona* Oct. 6 — at Harmony* Oct. 20 — at Liberty* Oct. 27 — at Celebration* Nov. 3 — at Olympia * Denotes district opponent

WINDERMERE PREP

COACH: Jacob Doss (eighth year) 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 10-1, ad-

vanced to SSAC Semifinals

SSAC DIVISION (2016 CHAMP):

OLYMPIA

COACH: Kyle Hayes 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 6-5, dis-

CLASSES 1A-4A Regional semifinals: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 Regional finals: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 State semifinals: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 CLASSES 5A-8A Regional quarterfinals: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 Regional semifinals: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 Regional finals: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 State semifinals: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 2017 FHSAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS (ALL CLASSIFICATIONS) WHEN: Dec. 7-9; times to be announced LOCATION: Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando

WEST ORANGE

trict runner-up

COACH: Bob Head 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 2-8 DISTRICT (2016 CHAMP): 8A-4

(Dr. Phillips)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Tre Jackson,

DISTRICT (2016 CHAMP): 8A-5

PLAYOFF CALENDAR

built to relieve West Orange High, home of the Warriors — and, ironically enough, the Wolverines will be “road warriors” this fall. With the off-campus stadium not slated for completion until December at the earliest, the Wolverines will play all road games this fall.

playoff appearance and district title in program history DISTRICT (2016 CHAMP): 7A-4 (Ocoee) PLAYERS TO WATCH: Garrett Duffina, senior (defensive back/ wide receiver); Matt Hogan, junior (center); Kendall Bohler, junior (defensive back); Jeremiah Fails, junior (slotback/defensive back); Monroe Nelson, senior (defensive end); Zach Tuckfield, senior (defensive end) OUTLOOK: There’s a ton of change in the air at Ocoee — from a new head coach to a lot of new faces in new roles — but that doesn’t mean the Knights are making any excuses or lowering expectations. Ocoee won its first district title last fall, and despite all the turnover, the Knights won both their spring game and their Kickoff Classic game. That said, discipline, consistency on defense and cutting down on unforced turnovers should help Ocoee once again contend in a district that is as wide-open as ever. FUN FACT: Ocoee head coach Jason Boltus won an arena league championship with the Jacksonville Sharks this summer. AWESOME ALUMNI: Dorian Jones, who graduated last spring, will be a freshman defensive back this fall at Campbell University in North Carolina.

* Denotes district opponent

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

FUN FACT: Windermere High was

COACH: Jason Boltus 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 7-4; first

SCHEDULE All games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Aug. 25 — vs. Apopka Sept. 1 — at Olympia Sept. 8 — vs. Boone Sept. 15 — at Edgewater* Sept. 22 — vs. East Ridge* Sept. 29 — vs. Hagerty* Oct. 6 — vs. West Port*, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 — at Lake Howell* Oct. 27 — at Lake Minneola* Nov. 3 — vs. West Orange

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Joe Milton, senior (quarterback); Konrie Brown, senior (running back); Ronald Teague, senior (linebacker); Troy Golden, senior (defensive end); Jordan Underwood, senior (wide receiver); Josh Green, senior (defensive back) OUTLOOK: This is going to be a fun season to follow the Titans. One thing Olympia has lacked over the past few years is star power, but it has that back this fall. The Titans are loaded with skill players on offense and heavy-hitters on defense — and plenty of experience all the way around. The big question this fall will be whether it is enough for the Titans to put it all together and try and unseat reigning district champion — and No. 1 rival — Dr. Phillips. FUN FACT: The Titans will debut new black “home” jerseys this fall that will incorporate Olympia High’s new accent color: teal. AWESOME ALUMNI: Trevor Siemian was named the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos for a second consecutive season on Aug. 21.

SCHEDULE All games at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 — at West Orange Sept. 1 — vs. Ocoee Sept. 8 — at Edgewater Sept. 15 — at Cypress Creek* Sept. 22 — vs. Wekiva Sept. 29 — vs. Freedom* Oct. 6 — vs. Winter Park Oct. 20 — at Dr. Phillips* Oct. 26 (Thursday) — vs. Oak Ridge* Nov. 3 — vs. Windermere * Denotes district opponent

(Apopka)

senior (defensive end); Dametri Hill Jr., senior (linebacker); Brenden Cyr, sophomore (quarterback); Darrell Harding, junior (wide receiver); Keyshawn Goins, junior (wide receiver); Hawk Forsythe, senior (offensive line) OUTLOOK: The first thing one should know about the Warriors is that their 2-8 record from a season ago is deceiving. Although West Orange does not have near the firepower or star power it had in 2015 when it made the state semifinals, there are some exciting skill players on the Warriors roster, and a big part of how the team does this season will depend on how effectively it can get the ball to those playmakers in space. The Warriors have a handful of very talented defenders, which will be important when they’re trying to slow Apopka or Wekiva. Speaking of Apopka and Wekiva, an improved Warriors

team still has a tough road to travel to contend in a district this loaded. AWESOME ALUMNI: Two former Warriors receivers — Garrett Johnson, a senior at Kentucky, and Eddie McDoom, a sophomore at Michigan — are expected to play big roles for their teams this fall. SCHEDULE All games at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 — vs. Olympia Sept. 1 — at Freedom Sept. 8 — vs. Dr. Phillips Sept. 15 — vs. Timber Creek Sept. 22 — vs. Cypress Creek Sept. 29 — at Wekiva* Oct. 6 — at Jones Oct. 13 — at Apopka* Oct. 20 — vs. Evans* Nov. 3 — at Ocoee

Coastal League — Central Florida Division (Windermere Prep) PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kai Patterson, junior (quarterback); Ismael Cortes, senior (running back); Khadry Jackson, junior (wide receiver); Mason Russell, junior (linebacker, fullback); Matheus Peres, junior (safety, running back) OUTLOOK: There’s really no reason to believe the Lakers cannot be just as successful as they were a season ago, with most of their key playmakers back and better than ever. Jacob Doss’s team likely will score as much as ever, with Kai Patterson quarterbacking an offense full of playmakers. One area of weakness, size on the offensive line, likely will not cost the Lakers as much in the SSAC as it might if they were competing in the FHSAA State Series. This should be a fun season to watch the Lakers run up and down the field. AWESOME ALUMNI: Ryan Swoboda, who graduated this past spring, is a freshman offensive lineman for the University of Virginia. FUN FACT: The Lakers, who usually play day games because their home field does not have lights, will bring in portable lights Oct. 20 for their Homecoming game against Santa Fe Catholic.

* Denotes district opponent

WINDERMERE

COACH: Greg Miller 2016 RECORD/NOTES: N/A

District (2016 champ): 7A-5 (Lake Nona) PLAYERS TO WATCH: Gabe Deneen, junior (offensive/defensive line); Isaiah Jackson, junior (quarterback); Judah Martin, junior (offensive/defensive line); Josh Albertson, sophomore (linebacker) OUTLOOK: With no seniors and just a handful of players with any varsity playing experience, the players and staff at Windermere High have their work cut out for them. The Wolverines feature a number of players that are relatively new to the game, so this season will see a steep learning curve for the roster, at large. Still, Greg Miller said his players have been taking the coaching his staff has been giving well, and that the team’s lack of seniors and relative inexperience will not be a crutch. Despite some tough nondistrict games, Windermere’s district slate appears relatively manageable.

SCHEDULE Aug. 25 — at St. Stephen’s, 7 p.m. Sept. 1 — vs. Harvest Community, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8 — at CFCA, 7 p.m.* Sept. 15 — at Lake Mary Prep, 7 p.m.* Sept. 22 — at St. Cloud, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29 — vs. Legacy Charter, 4:30 p.m.* Oct. 12 (Thursday) — vs. Orangewood Christian, 4:30 p.m.* Oct. 20 — vs. Santa Fe Catholic, 7 p.m. Oct. 27 — SSAC Playoffs Nov. 3 — SSAC Playoffs * Denotes district opponent

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Greg Miller

CFCA’s Jeremy Campbell settling in during fall camp

Greg Miller, head coach for the football program at Windermere High, is embarking on an experience not many coaches can claim: building a new program from scratch. What role has football played in your life? Growing up, I spent my time between the Washington, D.C., area and Baltimore. (Football) really gave me kind of a sense of purpose and had me focus on the next steps in my life — from high school onto college and from college into the real world. Football for me has always kind of been that one thing that’s consistent in my life and provides discipline. How did you get back into the game? I was in the sales business for 15 years, and I just wasn’t happy. I was looking for the one thing I could do, long-term, for the rest of my life. Coaching was the one thing — working with young men, mentoring and sharing my experiences with them — it’s the one thing I always kept coming back to when I was figuring out what I wanted to do. What motivates you to coach? For me, personally, (it’s) working with kids, watching them develop and seeing them grow. Being a part of their

THE BASICS AGE: 38 HOMETOWN: Baltimore COLLEGE PLAYING EXPERIENCE: Linebacker, King’s College COLLEGE COACHING EXPERIENCE: King’s College, Lackawana College VARSITY COACHING EXPERIENCE: Pennsylvania — Wyoming Seminary Prep, Dallas High School; Florida — East Ridge, Freedom (most recent) PRIOR CAREER: Sales FAMILY: Married with five children (three boys, two girls) ages 1 to 18

development, especially those four years in high school — it’s one of the most crucial times. What’s your favorite coaching memory from before arriving here at Windermere High? My first year on the college level, I coached at Lackawana College — a top-level junior

college program. My first year there, we went undefeated and played in the Valley of the Sun Bowl in Arizona. We went out there and we weren’t expected to win … we played a very tough game, and we ended up winning that game on a lastsecond field goal. How have the kids responded so far to you and your staff? They’ve been taking the coaching. A lot of those kids just didn’t have a fundamental foundation of football and how to properly play the game. As a coaching staff, that’s what we’ve spent most of the summer and most of the spring on. They’re still learning, and there’s still a lot more to teach. Big picture, how optimistic are you about the future for the Wolverines? Our future looks really bright — we have a couple kids on our freshman team that can really run and those guys are really, really hungry. — STEVEN RYZEWSKI

As chaotic of a time as preseason fall camp can be for a high-school football coach, this fall is undoubtedly an upgrade from the spring for Central Florida Christian Academy head coach Jeremy Campbell. Campbell, hired this spring from Northside Christian in St. Petersburg, had to commute to and from east Ocoee each day, hindering his ability to build a rapport with his players and install his new system. This fall, though, he has moved to the West Orange area and also is on campus during class hours. “Being over here full-time now definitely helps,” Cambell said. “With me being on campus every day, I see the kids more than just at practice, and I have a relationship with them during the regular school day, as well.” Campbell’s roster skews young and heavy on sophomores. Although that means the team will be battling inexperience early in the season, Campbell said having a young core is exciting and that his players seem eager to learn and get better. “They’re asking questions, and I like that,” Campbell said. CFCA played two opponents Aug. 17 during a jamboree at Orangewood Christian — the Eagles tied St. Edward’s 7-7

File photo

Jeremy Campbell came from Northside Christian in St. Pete.

and lost to Orangewood, 19-0. The first-year head coach said he saw plenty of positive during the two exhibition quarters and also some room for improvement. “We did some good things on Thursday,” Campbell said. “We moved the ball well, and defensively, we got some key stops. But there’s room for improvement. We didn’t tackle well, and we didn’t throw and catch particularly well.” — STEVEN RYZEWSKI

KICKOFF CLASSIC SCOREBOARD

efore local teams take the field Aug. 24 and 25 for their regularseason openers, they got a chance for a final a tune-up during respective Kickoff Classic games Aug. 17 and 18. Here are the results:

ONLINE

n Olympia 50, Lake Nona 29 n West Orange 70, Windermere 0 n Ocoee 14, Oak Ridge 8 n Osceola 30, Dr. Phillips 27 n The First Academy 28, Cambridge Christian 24 n Lakeland Christian 37, Foundation Academy 0 n Windermere Prep 0, Trinity Prep 0 — Game called due to weather n CFCA 7, St. Edward’s 7 n Orangewood Christian 19, CFCA 0

For photo galleries from last week’s Kickoff Classic action, visit ObserverPreps.com.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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MEET THE COACH

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

2017 Volleyball Preview T

he 2017 varsity volleyball season in West and South-

west Orange County promises to feature a mix of teams with state-title aspirations, teams with hopes for district titles and playoff appearances and even a couple rebuilding programs. One thing we know for sure, though, is that it promises to be exciting. CFCA

COACH: Stacy Osborne 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 13-12 DISTRICT: 2A-5 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Alyssa

Muench, senior (outside hitter); Maddie Furtado, junior (outside hitter); Ahmtanie Guillaume, senior (setter); Sydney Talsma, senior (middle hitter); Patricia McCabe, senior (setter); Jacqueline Keener, junior (libero) OUTLOOK: With seven seniors on the roster this fall, head coach Stacy Osborne would like to see her program take a big step forward and contend in its district. CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Sept. 7 vs. Real Life Christian; Sept. 14 vs. International Community School; Oct. 3 vs. Victory Christian FUN FACT: CFCA will play in the Disney KSA Tournament for the first time this season.

DR. PHILLIPS

COACH: Danny Eleutiza 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 19-18; won

district, lost in regional semis

DISTRICT: 9A-5 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Mallory

Porcher, junior (middle blocker); Emily Davis, junior (right side); Milexa Cardona, senior; Kelly Gauger, senior (libero); Alicia Virthe, freshman; Alexis Distasio, freshman OUTLOOK: After a strong debut for Eleutiza as head coach in 2016, the Panthers are back for more in 2017. This year, the roster skews young, as several pivotal players to last fall’s success have graduated. The team has just two seniors and has a trio of talented freshmen on the roster, making the Panthers an interesting team to keep an eye on this fall. CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Sept. 26 vs. West Orange; Oct. 3 at Olympia; Oct. 5 at Bishop Moore; Oct. 12 at Windermere FUN FACT: Last fall’s district championship for Dr. Phillips was its 11th overall and the program’s first since 2011. AWESOME ALUMNI: Rachel Fletcher (c/o 2015) is a junior outside hitter for the Rollins Tars. As a sophomore, she had 144 kills on the season — including a career-high 21 against Palm Beach Atlantic Nov. 4, 2016.

THE FIRST ACADEMY

COACH: Dan Hedger 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 25-4; won

FHSAA Class 4A State Title

Steven Ryzewski

The West Orange High volleyball team has been to the regional championship in consecutive seasons. This fall, players such as Taylor Head, left, Makala Heidelberg, Torey Baum, Kaeli Crews and Baylor Bumford hope they can take it a step — or two — further.

DISTRICT: 5A-6 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Matti

McKissock, senior (setter); Talia Harb, senior (setter); Elli McKissock, sophomore (libero); Emily Oerther, junior (outside hitter) OUTLOOK: The expectations don’t change much for the Royals after winning a state title, even with a few key departures via graduation and making the jump from Class 4A to 5A. Coach Dan Hedger said his team is experienced in both the varsity game and competitive club competition. Although the Royals’ district is a tough one, TFA’s players seem excited for the challenge. CAN’T MISS GAMES: Aug. 29 vs. West Orange; Sept. 5 vs. Bishop Moore; Oct. 3 at Lake Highland Prep FUN FACT: The Royals’ state championship last fall was the program’s sixth. AWESOME ALUMNI: Brittany Smith will be a junior right side hitter for the Princeton University Tigers this fall. Brynna Delusio will be a freshman outside hitter for Colorado University this fall.

FOUNDATION ACADEMY

COACH: Vicky Veloz 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 16-3 DISTRICT: 3A-3 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Macey Wise,

senior (right side hitter); Anna Grace, junior (outside hitter); Gracie Allan, eighth-grader OUTLOOK: Veloz represents the third coach in as many years for the Lions, who will rely on a mix of veteran players in addition to some talented youngsters. To advance to the playoffs, the Lions likely will have to knock off either Orlando Christian Prep or TFALeesburg — last season’s playoff teams out of the district. CAN’T MISS GAMES: Sept. 5 vs. Legacy Charter; Sept. 22 vs. Deltona Trinity Christian; Oct. 3 vs. Faith Christian AWESOME ALUMNI: Elyssa Stimmell is a sophomore middle blocker for Nova Southeastern.

LEGACY CHARTER

COACH: Steve Gegerson 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 1-19 DISTRICT: 3A-3 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Abby Worsh-

am, senior (middle hitter); Sarah Gegerson, senior (outside hitter); Story Phillips, senior (middle blocker); Abigail Dannels, junior (right side hitter); Jordan Odom, junior (right side hitter) OUTLOOK: After serving as an assistant coach the past three seasons under former coach Larry Kimpel, Steve Gegerson has assumed the head-coaching responsibilities for the Eagles. Legacy returns just four players from last fall’s team, but three are seniors and should be major contributors. The Eagles are confident they can improve on last fall’s win total and lay the foundation for a positive rebuild. CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Aug. 31 vs. TFA-Leesburg; Sept. 14 vs. Real Life Christian; Sept. 21 vs. Foundation Academy; Oct. 5 vs. Mt. Dora Christian

OCOEE

COACH: Cathy Edwards-Lee 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 10-11 DISTRICT: 8A-5 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Christin

Lewis, senior (outside hitter); Emily Ratcliff, junior (opposite); Japhia Robinson, junior (middle hitter); Mallory Greenwood, senior (outside hitter) OUTLOOK: Playing in an eightteam district means the Knights will have little room for error come tournament time. EdwardsLee, the “dean” of volleyball coaches in West Orange County given her more than a decade at Ocoee, acknowledges this is a rebuilding year after the loss of six seniors from 2016. This year’s roster features several young players whom the Knights hope to see progress. CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Sept. 12 vs. West Port; Sept. 28 vs. Windermere; Oct. 5 vs. Wekiva

OLYMPIA

COACH: Mitchell Sadowsky 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 16-8,

district runner-up

DISTRICT: 9A-5 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Johnna

Shamley, senior (outside hitter); Alix Polk, senior (outside hitter); May Wilson, junior (opposite/ middle blocker) OUTLOOK: This could be a big year for the Titans, who veteran coach Mitchell Sadowsky said are deep on talent, experience and versatility. In his nine years with the program, Sadowsky said this is also one of the older lineups he has had. CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Aug. 31 vs. West Orange; Sept. 19 at The First Academy; Oct. 3 vs. Dr. Phillips FUN FACT: The first win of the regular season will be a special occasion for the program, because it will be win No. 150 for Sadowsky as the program’s head coach. Sadowsky is averaging better than 18 wins a season.

WEST ORANGE

COACH: Ross Usie 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 26-3; won

AWESOME ALUMNI: CJ O’Brien will be a junior at Cal Lutheran this fall and was part of a NCAA Division III National Championship team as a freshman.

WINDERMERE

COACH: Layla West 2016 RECORD/NOTES: N/A DISTRICT: 8A-5 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ava Czyze-

wski, junior (middle hitter); Erin Welsh, junior (right side hitter); Isabel Acosta, freshman (setter); Cassidy Chambers, freshman (outside hitter); Amarie Simms, freshman (right side hitter) OUTLOOK: The brand-new team figures to be a force to be reckoned with from the get-go, even without any seniors. Czyzewski and Welsh represent talented hitters who were rezoned from West Orange, while a good core of talented freshmen came over from Bridgewater Middle — as did coach Layla West — where the Bobcats have been dominant. CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Aug. 28 vs. Olympia; Oct. 11 at West Orange; Oct. 12 vs. Dr. Phillips

district, lost in regional final

WINDERMERE PREP

delberg, senior (outside hitter); Taylor Head, sophomore (outside hitter); Baylor Bumford, senior (setter); Torey Baum, junior (libero); Kaeli Crews, junior (right side hitter) OUTLOOK: The Warriors are deep on athletic hitters and experienced players with competitive club backgrounds — not to mention, six of the team’s seven starters are committed to Division I college programs. After consecutive years of being defeated in the regional championship by teams from Seminole County, West Orange is looking to get over the hump and advance to state. CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Aug. 29 at The First Academy; Sept. 12 vs. Hagerty (at Bishop Moore); Sept. 20 vs. Bishop Moore

senior (setter); Natalie Work, freshman (outside hitter); Riley Nowicki, junior (outside hitter); Mia Russo, junior (libero) OUTLOOK: Diego Serpa started with a young core when he took the job in 2015 and this year may see some of that foundational work begin to pay off. The core of the team has been together for a few seasons now, and the Lakers are looking to make the leap to the next level for the program. CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Aug. 31 vs. Lake Highland Prep; Sept. 5 vs. Montverde; Sept. 19 vs. Trinity Prep; Oct. 9 vs. Windermere FUN FACT: The Lakers will travel to Chicago in September for the Nord Anglia Tournament.

DISTRICT: 9A-3 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Makala Hei-

COACH: Diego Serpa 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 15-10 DISTRICT: 5A-6 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Peyton Warp,

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

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