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© St. Petersburg Times, published March 20, 2003
NEW PORT RICHEY -- Richard Jata, the talented and well-traveled soccer player who starred at River Ridge as a sophomore and was ruled ineligible at Gulf this season, has changed schools again.
Jata transferred last week to Ridgewood, and though it is his fourth school in little more than a year, he'll play next winter for the district champion and regional finalist Rams.
"I could throw a rock from here and hit Jata's house; he always should have been coming here," Rams coach Ed McComiskey said. "He went to Bayonet Point (Middle) with these kids, and I never understood why Jata was someplace else."
Jata, who could not be reached for comment, played two years at River Ridge, scoring 15 goals and earning all-conference honors as a sophomore. Last spring he transferred to the Bollettieri Academy in Bradenton, only to transfer back to Pasco County and enroll at Gulf. He was ruled ineligible because he had started the school year at another campus, and appeals to regain his eligibility were denied.
At Ridgewood, he'll line up with close friends and fellow seniors Tanner Wolfe and Dimos Kalathakis, who scored 26 and nine goals, respectively. The three have played together since elementary school. The addition of Jata would help offset the graduation of Jose Anazco, Chris Gasparini and Adam Memoli, who combined for 45 goals this season.
The Rams' strength this season was chemistry, and McComiskey is confident a new scoring threat can join without problems.
"It's a help, but it could be a detriment, depending on what attitude he has when he comes out," McComiskey said. "I think he's changed a lot and he realizes he's where he belongs now."
Jata has been limited since soccer season by back problems. Despite the transfer, he left the Gulf program on amicable terms, Buccaneers coach Sam Koleduk said.
"With his back, he's not sure if he's going to be able to play at all, but I just want the kid to be able to play somewhere. He's a great player," Koleduk said.