Pasco: Bell's consistency helps capture 5K series overall title

Bell's consistency helps capture 5K series overall title

By WAYNE GRUMET

Land O'Lakes' Steven Bell certainly found his stride this summer on the 5K circuit. Bell won the 14-and-under group for the fifth time in five races Sunday at the Run for the Gold 5K in Tampa.

Bell's consistency in the five monthly events also earned him the series' overall title, finishing with 18 points. Two other runners were close with 16.

The 13-year-old Bell crossed the line sixth overall out of 132 finishers with a time of 17 minutes 57 seconds.

New Port Richey's John Tuccio was declared the overall champion of the 14-and-under division since Bell won the overall title. Tuccio finished second to Bell in the two races he entered.

Bayonet Point's Frank Van Aken also took home an age group title. Van Aken won the 65- to 69-year-old division with four wins in the first four races. Sunday, Van Aken won the 70-and-over group in 24:49.

Van Aken's consistency earned him 15 points overall, three within the overall champion.

Two other Pasco County competitors finished in the overall top 20 of the Run for the Gold 5K. Ray Bell was 16th in 19:10 and was second in the 50- to 54-year-old group.

Lutz's Dean Redfern was close behind in 18th place with a time of 19:33. Redfern finished third in the 45- to 49-year-old group.

Hudson's Jon Bell finished 29th overall in 20:44. His third-place finish in the 15- to 19-year-old group earned him second place in the final points standings.

Two Pasco County women broke into the top 50. Lutz's Denise Landes finished 42nd overall in 21:26 and Lutz's Kattie Horn finished 49th overall and second in the 35- to 39-year-old group in 22:11.

Zephyrhills' Thomas Fisher, and New Port Richey's Rusty and Melba Lee finished in the top 10 of their respective age groups.

Lutz's Amanda Quick and Danielle Shimer did not run Sunday but still finished well in the overall points race. Quick finished third in the 14-and-under group and Shimer finished third in the 15- to 19-year-old group.

HOLE-IN-ONE: Vinnie LaSelva picked up his third-ever ace last week at Timber Oaks. LaSelva aced the 142-yard 15th hole with a pitching wedge. LaSelva also collected holes-in-one in 1998 and 2000.

PERFECT GAME: Mike Pinto Sr. opened the Thursday Businessmen's league at Hudson's Leisure Lanes in style on Sept. 6. Pinto bowled a perfect game in his first game. Pinto had another 300 game about 20 years ago.

UPCOMING GOLF EVENTS: Seven Springs in New Port Richey will host the ninth annual Hospice of Pasco tournament Sept. 15. The event starts at 8 a.m.

Registration costs $65, which covers cart, lunch and prizes. A hole-in-one will land a new Buick. Call (727) 845-5707 for information.

The Plantation Palms Golf and Country Club in Land O'Lakes will host the Pasco Education Foundation golf tournament Sept. 22.

The event will raise money for classroom grants, scholarships and recognition events in schools. Registration costs $100 and all proceeds will go to the foundation.

The tournament will begin with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Call (727) 774-2705, (813) 794-2705 or (352) 524-7405 for information.

Seven Springs will host a golf tournament to benefit the Suncoast Epilepsy Association on Oct. 4 at 1 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the Pasco Hernando Insurance Professionals.

Registration is $60 and includes green and cart fees and buffet dinner. A hole-in-one wins a new Buick.

Call (727) 376-0030 ext. 1306 for information.

Town and Country in Dade City will host a benefit tournament for Hospice of Pasco on Oct. 27. The Dade City Eagles are organizing the event. Call Don Young at (352) 567-5184 for information.

-- Wayne Grumet can be reached by e-mail at waynegrumet@hotmail.com or by fax at (352) 521-0290.