Northpinellas: Tornadoes reunion kindles memories for state champions

In 1981, the Tornadoes were ranked 12th in the nation and second in Florida. They amassed a 32-3 record that culminated in 79-53 victory over Miami Central in the state final.

Last month, Tornado head coach Rudy Coffin, who was in his second season as an assistant to Jack Wilson 20 years ago, spearheaded a reunion that included the induction of Clearwater's champions into the school's Hall of Fame.

"We thought it would be a nice touch to induct the entire team at the 20-year mark," Coffin said. "We've been planning this for about three years."

The full squad attended the celebration. Wilson and players David Stewart, Terry Griggley and Mike Brittain are deceased.

At earlier inductions, the four men had been recognized individually. Wilson was a charter member of the Hall.

Wilson, who coached the Tornadoes 17 years until 1986, died of a heart attack in '88 at the age of 51. Stewart, Griggley and Brittain suffered untimely deaths in the 1990s.

"For most, this was the first time we'd seen one another in some time and certainly the first for a time of celebration rather than for a period of mourning," said Jeff Parks, a point guard for the title team.

"That team came from the worst to the best," Parks said. "The year before, we were 14-14, but we really turned it around during my senior year."

The starting lineup consisted of senior co-captains Parks and Carl Elliott, a forward, junior forward Hassan Jones, senior shooting guard Mark Lelekas and Brittain, a senior center.

"We really didn't have a starting five," Coffin said. "Mark came in when David (Stewart) was hurt, and Dan (Long) helped Mike under the boards. Really, play was shared among the team."

That camaraderie was key to the success, said Lelekas, who lives in Palm Harbor and has a mutual funds business.

"Plus, we had a confidence that we could win," he said. "Coach would tell us what to do, and we would go out and execute. We were in a lot of close games that we won because we had the confidence that we could win."

Parks was tabbed "Mr. Steady" and orchestrated plays to set up shooters Stewart and Lelekas. Long and Elliott helped 7-footer Brittain with the inside attack. Jones, an all-around athlete, contributed in rebounding and shooting.

Rounding out the squad were Harry Katica, Scott Priesing, Scott Quarterson and Marcus Parker.

Parker, a supervisor with the Department of Justice in St. Petersburg, has many fond memories.

"My time on the team was the most exciting time of my life," said Parker, 38. "I was probably the seventh man off the bench and was more of a role player.

"Our success was partially due to the fact that we were close and spent practically a whole year playing together," he said.

After graduating, some of the Tornadoes played at the junior college level but found the experience somewhat lacking.

"I think we were spoiled at Clearwater," Parks said.

"We were used to the winning tradition and the special program we had at Clearwater. I didn't find enough of that in junior college and stopped playing."

Today, some of the men play in summer or city basketball leagues.

For most of the former Tornadoes, memories of 1981 emerge often.

The teamwork, friendships, superior coaching and state championship season are forever stamped in their minds.

FOOTBALL: Frank Wintrich (Seminole) was named a first-team All-American by Football Gazette. The junior linebacker at Kentucky Wesleyan started all 10 games and led the Panthers in tackles with 94.

VOLLEYBALL: Erin Gornes (Northside Christian) was among 24 players named to the second squad of the All-SEC Team. The junior middle blocker at Georgia led the Bulldogs in blocks with 1.16 per game and in hitting percentage (.312).

TENNIS: Danny McCain (Canterbury) won the deciding match for the University of Michigan against DePaul, keeping the Wolverines unbeaten in the dual season.

McCain lost the first set and was down four games in the second before staging a comeback in a 2-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3 victory. The junior, Michigan's No. 2 singles player, has a 6-9 record. BASKETBALL: Erroyl Bing (Largo) leads the East Carolina University squad in rebounds with 137 and has a 12.6 scoring average. The first-year front-court player has been the high scorer in two games.

ECU (13-8) plays James Madison on Monday with hopes of avenging a 79-72 loss.

SOFTBALL: Pitcher Nikki Myers (St. Petersburg) has been selected the preseason Trans America Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

Myers, the league's top player last season and the TAAC Tournament MVP, helped lead Florida Atlantic University to a 22-7 record.

She logged 12 shutouts and 323 strikeouts. As a hitter, Myers connected for 11 home runs, 11 doubles, 39 RBI and a .341 batting average.

Senior Kelli Lightner (Clearwater) was Stetson's scheduled starting pitcher for its season opener Friday against Bethune-Cookman.

Lightner is seventh among Stetson's all-time leaders in victories and innings pitched and fifth in strikeouts.

Stetson is ranked third in the TAAC preseason poll.

BASEBALL: Benjamin Peterson (East Lake, Hillsborough) was among four pitchers selected to the TACC preseason team by league coaches.

Peterson, a senior at FAU, compiled a 12-1 record last year. FAU is predicted to finish third in the conference.

Peterson recently was named a Louisville Slugger third-team preseason All-American.

Clemson outfielder Patrick Boyd (Clearwater Central Catholic) and Central Florida's Jeremy Kurella (Dunedin, Northwestern) were named Louisville Slugger third-team preseason All-Americans.

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