Pasco: Slogan is spirit at Wesley Chapel

Slogan is spirit at Wesley Chapel

''WE BELIEVE'' has become more than just a slogan as the boy's basketball team heads for the final four in Lakeland.

By GREG AUMAN, Times Staff Writer

"WE BELIEVE" has become more than just a slogan as the boy's basketball team heads for the final four in Lakeland. "WE BELIEVE" has become more than just a slogan as the boy's basketball team heads for the final four in Lakeland.

WESLEY CHAPEL -- It's been the unofficial slogan of the Wesley Chapel boys basketball team, from months ago when crowds and expectations were smaller, all the way to Wednesday's trip to the state final four in Lakeland.

"WE BELIEVE!" read the white T-shirts speckled throughout the Wildcats' gymnasium Wednesday afternoon as close to 1,400 students packed in to send their team off with a lively pep rally celebrating the county's second final four trip in 36 years.

"I'm so glad to see our school really getting some spirit," said Ticha Timmons, a junior on the Wildcats cheerleading squad, which performed along with a pep band during the half-hour rally at the end of the school day.

The event began with players being introduced one by one, running through a gauntlet of cheerleaders, with perhaps the biggest cheers saved for rookie coach Kent Mills, who thanked the crowd for its growing support.

Hundreds were expected to make the trip to Lakeland for Wesley Chapel's game against St. Augustine Nease, which is ranked No. 2 in the state in Class 3A. Not long after buses finished taking students home after school, a chartered bus arrived to take the players to Lakeland.

At least two busloads of students will follow to the game, and the Wildcats have moved quickly to keep up with the campus interest in the regional champions. The school ordered 300 of the "WE BELIEVE" T-shirts, selling for $8 and worn by people ranging from players to students to principal Andy Frelick and athletic director Annie McGhee.

"All we've been doing all day is giving directions," said McGhee, who could be back answering the phones for info on Friday's 3:30 p.m. state championship game if the Wildcats were able to beat Nease. "Where are they playing, what time is the game; you name it, we've answered it today."