Horizon High School boys volleyball makes history

The Horizon High School boys volleyball team defeated Tohopekaliga 3-2 during the regional quarterfinal game Tuesday, May 9.

The game went back and forth every set, each team alternating wins every point. However, Horizon pulled through during the fifth set. The Hawks won three out of five sets (25-21, 25-17, 18-25, 22-25 and 15-12).

Junior James Candrian led the offense with 24 kills, while junior Robert Richardson came through for the team with 22 digs. Senior Reynaldo Izaguirre contributed with 24 assists. In total, the team accumulated 56 kills, six serving aces, 10 blocks, 64 digs, and 48 assists during the game.

The Hawks currently own a 16-9 overall season record and continue making history on the court; this year’s team has become the first in the program to advance to regional play.

The Hawks defeated the Tam- pa Bay HEAT Friday, May 12, to advance to the regional championship. They were scheduled to face Celebration at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, after press time. ate our young players,” Kinard said. “It’s one thing to do it in practice, but the key is to see how they play on varsity for the first time.”

Because of the team’s youth, Kinard said his biggest challenge will be having so many new starters.

“We’ll have to put in a lot of work this summer in the weight room and field to make sure we are ready in August,” he said.

Before it’s show time, the team is looking to add two coaches, more likely on the defensive line and another one as a special teams coordinator.

All in all, Kinard is truly looking forward to seeing what the boys can do this year.

“I honestly like our team characterwise,” he said. “They are very excited to play, but the rate of growth will determine our success. We’ve made playoffs 14 out of 17 years and, hopefully, this year will be No. 15.”

FOUNDATION ACADEMY Foundation Academy will play its spring football game at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 26, against Lake Region High.

“We expect to be a little better from last season,” head football coach

Andre Walker said. “We have a lot of young guys who were forced to play last season, so although we are young, we have a lot of experience.”

The Lions are excited for spring football and the opportunity to showcase their growth.

“I’m just excited to see them compete,” Walker said. “We’ve been working really hard this off-season.”

Last year, the team was hit hard with the injury bug, so this year the goal is to be as healthy as possible.

“Last year we were injury prone, (so) I’m going to say it’s staying away from injury,” Walker said. “How do I prevent injury through workouts and injury prevention exercises.”

Expectations are high this year despite losing 12 seniors to graduation, but the team is welcoming seven new athletes.

“We expect to compete for a district title and, like last season, barring injury, we fully expect to make a playoff run this season,” Walker said.

WINDERMERE PREP

Even though the Windermere Prep football team does not participate in spring football games, the Lakers are excited to return to the practice field every day for spring training.

“We are just trying to get better in every facet of the game,” head football coach Brian Simmons said. “For us, in the spring, that’s learning how to tackle, learning how to block and learning how to get out of a block. (That’s) kind of the foundation of everything that we do in football because if you can’t do those three things or you don’t do those three things well, it doesn’t matter where you play on the field, you are not going to be a good football player or team.”

The coaches are excited to see how the players develop — including John Cassin, who was recently hired as one of the offensive coaches and to help with college recruiting.

“I’m really excited to see how the guys individually develop, how they mature and how they come together as a team,” Simmons said. “I don’t really talk to them about winning or losing. I talk to them about working hard, competing and just continuing to develop every single day with the work that’s in front of you.”

Public Schools

HORIZON

Horizon High School will play its spring football game against Davenport High at 7 p.m. Friday, May 26, in Davenport.

“I feel like overall, our 2025 class is our best class, and they are finally going to be full grown varsity players,” head football coach Dennis Thomas said. “Before, they were playing as freshman, then sophomores. Now, they are playing as juniors, and they are they are going to be a good class.”

Key players include linebacker Bo Kenny, multi-position athlete Devin St. Clair and quarterback Michael Dove.

“I think we are good, I think we can play a football game right this second and show up well,” Thomas said. “The biggest thing I try is to kind of match and surpass what we did last year. (A) 7-3 season record (for a) second-year school — we are trying to see if we can do even better than that.”

The defensive line will see a new face in the coaching staff, Anthony Byrd, this season.

LAKE BUENA VISTA

The Lake Buena Vista football team will play its spring football game at 7 p.m. Friday, May 19, against Space Coast High School.

“Coach (Clifton) Nichols and I loved the idea of the Vipers vs. Vipers — that’s their mascot (too) — and found a way to get together to make this happen,” head football coach Joseph Rienzi said. “Last year, we played a great game. Space Coast won 21-14, and I expect this one to be another close game against a wellcoached team.”

The Vipers have been training for months and are ready to get out on the field and play the game they love.

“Our guys are just ready to play,” Rienzi said. “Conditioning from November to May can be a grind. These guys have been competing with (one another) for the last six months — they are ready to play another opponent and go into the off season, hopefully with some positive momentum.”

This season will provide opportunities for new student-athletes. The Vipers will lose 17 seniors to graduation and welcome about 20 new players.

“We are excited to see what some of them can do in the spring football game,” Rienzi said. “They bring a lot of athleticism and skills from their respective sports to the program and all have the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way for us.”

After their first win in the program’s history in the final game of their 202223 football season, the Vipers now see the game through a different lens.

“We have been working hard since winning our season finale in November,” Rienzi said. “These guys now have a different kind of pressure on them, which is the burden of expectation. Everyone know what we are capable of now, and the guys have been working tirelessly to make sure they can get more wins this season. We’ve got a great group that is more than capable of building upon the foundation laid for them by last year’s seniors. Now, we can show everybody what Viper Football is all about.”

OCOEE

Ocoee High School will play its spring football game against Orange Park High School Tuesday, May 23.

“I can’t wait to see our young talents hit the field to play in their first varsity football game,” head football coach Sheddrick Gurley said. “It will be exciting to see their practice energy game in action. We have a young team of hard-working young men looking to continue to build the culture within the school and the community. We will progress daily and take things one game at a time.”

After such a successful season last year, this team is looking forward to putting in the hours to gain experience and strength come August.

“The lack of experience will be a challenge and overcoming the unknown,” Gurley said. “We will plan for focus on the Big Three: align, assignment and execute. This has been the pillar of our team for building great habits.”

The Knights have a new defensive coordinator in Michael McClenton, who coached alongside Gurley in previous years at Godby High School in Tallahassee. However, this is not the only change to the football team as a whole, as the Knights are losing 27 seniors to graduation and have four newcomers so far.

“This will give us an opportunity to focus on developing our younger athletes for the future,” Gurley said. “We will continue to attack the basic fundamentals of the game: good footwork, simple key reads, simple blocking scheme, low pads, aggressive hands, running the ball and blocking until the whistle. … I’m excited to see a team that will present their families, the school and the community in an impactful way. Their potential is promising. This upcoming year I will be excited to see what the future holds for Ocoee.”

OLYMPIA

Olympia High School will play its spring football game at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 18, against Oviedo High School.

“I am looking forward to continuing to evaluate our guys,” head football coach Travis Gabriel said. “I am most excited to see our team continue to get better.”

For the upcoming season and through spring training, the Titans will shift their mentality toward building strength.

“We are continuing to focus on getting stronger, be mentally focused and working together,” Gabriel said. “We are continuing to focus on getting better and being more disciplined daily.”

With no newcomers this year and 14 seniors lost to graduation, every Titan is expected to leave his all on the football field.

“I believe every young man that is a part of the team will contribute to our success,” Gabriel said.

WEST ORANGE West Orange High School will play its spring football game against Mainland High School at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at the Daytona Municipal Stadium.

“We are looking to continue to build the program,” head football coach Geno Thompson said. “Our vision is to be the best version ourselves and we work toward that daily. … We love the opportunity to play a quality program like Mainland. Coach (Travis) Roland has done a phenomenal job at his alma matter taking the team all the way to the state championship last season and they look poised to do it again this year. It is just a great way to see where we are as a program.”

For their 2023-24 football season, the Warriors will step onto the football games against teams that will allow them to grow every game.

“We focus on one game at a time and understand we have a very difficult schedule,” Thompson said. “Out of the 12 teams we (will) play this year … nine were playoff teams last year, five made it to the final four in their respective classifications. This continued competition has provided our athletes opportunities to play the best in the area and show college coaches what they are capable of.”

However, the program does face its challenges off the field regarding fundraising for the team as equipment can get expensive.

“(That’s the) biggest challenge — fundraising,” Thompson said. “It’s very expensive to run a football program. Equipment like helmets, shoulder pads or feeding the players all add up. Summer camps are a great opportunity for kids to be seen by college coaches but unfortunately most who play football don’t have the financial means to fund these camps.”

This year, the coaching staff made some adjustments and added new coaches to train the boys. Will Ficka was promoted to offensive coordinator, Chris Woods was hired as defensive coordinator, Garrett Johnson was hired as assistant wide receivers coach, Roman Tatum was hired as assistant defensive backs coach, Scott Fisher was hired as head freshman coach, and Mandi Brown was hired as associate head freshman coach and defensive line coach.

Windermere

Windermere High School will play its spring football game against Astronaut at 7 p.m. Friday, May 19, at the Deputy Scott Pine Community Park.

“Spring football games set the tone for the upcoming season and helps to get prepared for the intensity of the fall,” head football coach Riki Smith said. “Our new players will get a healthy sense of competition, and I’m better able to determine how the team and coaches will work together. We are also able to refine basic fundamentals and techniques, and evaluate our strengths and weaknesses. Spring ball also affords us the opportunity to build new relationships with new players and coaches. I’m excited.”

Even though the roster is promising, Smith anticipates keeping young players motivated will be challenging.

“Every player is unique in his own way,” he said. “Some players may respond to encouragement and others may need tough love. It’s hard to maintain that balance because in order to win, you have to be serious about practice and preparation. Young players haven’t developed that kind of seriousness. So, I believe at least one of my challenges will be to keep them motivated to want to continue to come ready to practice at a high level. Life is full of challenges and adversity, so I’m prepared to treat whatever challenges we face as opportunities for growth.”

The sole addition to the coaching staff is Jeremy Campbell, former Central Florida Christian Academy head football coach, who will now serve the Wolverines in the capacity of defensive coordinator.

“I look forward to having the opportunity to build a team, teach and watch the growth happen right before my eyes,” Smith said. “I thank God daily for this opportunity to lead our players and facilitate their growth from boys into men.”

LIANA HULCHER, OCOEE MIDDLE SCHOOL

What brought you to your school?

I have been a staffing specialist at the elementary and high school level, so the middle school was the missing piece. My husband also works at Ocoee Middle and spoke so highly of Principal Sam Davis, so I applied when there was an opening.

What do you love most about your school?

The people! Our principal has created a school culture that really makes you feel like part of a family. OMS has a diverse make-up of students, (and) every day is a different day.

What is your motivation?

Proving to people that you do not need a higher education or fancy job to have or teach kindness, responsibility and high morals or values. My father is a Cuban immigrant, and he left Cuba at 13 years old by himself. My mother grew up in the farmlands of Puerto Rico. Neither of them went to college. However, both worked hard and taught us how to treat others with kindness and respect. Nothing is given to us, and we need to work for everything we want.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

When students with exceptionalities are showing their growth and true potential that they can master their goals.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Relax at the pool, go to the beach with friends and listen to music.

REPORT CARD POSITION: Staffing specialist TIME AT SCHOOL: Two years

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

I didn’t have one in particular. All of my teachers were very different which taught me how to handle different personalities and structures.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Why?

I always wanted to work with children. At first, I wanted to become a pediatrician but quickly figured out that I do not do well with seeing children (who) are sick or hurting. So I became a teacher instead.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“Polar Express,” because of the sheer innocence.

What are your hobbies?

Crafting and dancing.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Healer, because, as I stated before, I don’t like seeing people sick or hurting.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

Jennifer Lopez, because I have always admired her work ethic and tenacity. People can tell her “no,” or “you can’t,” and she will prove them wrong in every way. Luis Miguel, because many people do not know who he is, but he is a lyrical genius with romantic Spanish ballads. Also, any classic salsa band as it reminds me of my childhood and culture.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

There are so many memes about it, but definitely the square pizzas in the lunchroom and when we got to buy ice cream (strawberry shortcake eclairs) on Fridays.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas, by far. It is the birth of our savior Jesus Christ and the time I get to spend with family and friends.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

I really didn’t have just one. There was a core group of us that went to elementary, middle and high school together. We did everything together from building forts in the snow to hanging out at the end of the cul-de-sac on the big green electrical box. We don’t really stay in touch outside of Facebook or Instagram.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I was always a good student on the A/B honor roll. I played softball for a bit in high school. When I went to college, I became a member of a sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, and the Geography Honor Society, Gamma Theta Upsilon.

— ANNABELLE SIKES