North Suncoast: news and notes

By Izzy Gould, Times Staff Writer
Published March 5, 2008

On the Web: rankings

Gaither leaps from No. 6 to the top spot in Batting Order, our ranking of the top softball teams in the bay area, while Plant holds steady in our Baseball Starting Lineup. Check out the rankings for both and sound off at highschool.tampabay.com.

Gulf hires volleyball coach

Gulf hired Chris Vergnaud as volleyball coach. The former Ridgewood running star was an assistant under outgoing coach Shari Schau, who endorsed Vergnaud as a replacement. Vergnaud, 24, teaches social studies at Gulf. He turned down a head coaching job at Fort Myers High in July because it didn't have a teaching position. He grew up in New Port Richey and was a member of the Rams' 1999 state champion cross country team.

Vergnaud graduated from Florida Gulf Coast, where he played intramural volleyball for six semesters as the team captain. Schau coached volleyball for 13 seasons and cited the wear and tear of coaching two sports. She will continue to coach girls varsity soccer.

"I'm really excited to be back," Vergnaud said. "I would never imagine I would have my first coaching and teaching positions in my hometown. Now it's my turn to give back."

Magic number: 1

With another win Springstead's baseball team (6-2) is seeking to equal its victory total of last season, when it lost five one-run games. The Eagles edged Central 6-5 on Monday for their second victory in four nights.

Trio of Gators in FACA game

The Land O'Lakes boys soccer team had a tremendous season, earning a top-five national ranking. Three seniors were rewarded with roster spots in the FACA all-star game. Matt Tanner, Elliott Leniton and Alex Zimmerman were selected, after helping the Gators to a 24-2-2 finish.

The seniors-only games are comprised of four teams representing the four geographical locations of Florida. They play Friday and Saturday in Port St. Lucie. Tanner, who led the Gators with 27 assists, has had official visits to the University of Tampa and Thomas (Ga.) University. Leniton, who finished second in points (60), hopes to walk on at Tampa. Zimmerman, a key defensive piece on the back line, will attend The Citadel.

Wildcats pair pick colleges

Wesley Chapel midfielder Janessa Gunn has decided to stay local and will sign with Saint Leo to play soccer. Gunn tallied 21 points, scoring seven goals and assisting on seven to help the Wildcats through a tough 3-13-3 season. Also signing for Wesley Chapel is Jordan Hendrix, who is headed to Tennessee Wesleyan. "These young women are the first two players in our school history to play college soccer," Wesley Chapel coach Jami Finan said. "It's very exciting for us."

Compiled by staff writers Izzy Gould and Joey Knight

[Last modified March 4, 2008, 23:49:46]