Sports Notes: Gulf Coast football players move on to college ranks

Gulf Coast High School running back Sebastian Zuluaga, who graduated in June, has agreed to play for Baldwin-Wallace College, a Division III school in the Cleveland area.

Two other Sharks also agreed to Division III programs. Defensive back Stephen Ritter will play for Elmhurst College (Ill.), and receiver Andrew Tague committed to Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.

Zuluaga will be the fourth Collier County player to join the Yellow Jackets’ roster. Zuluaga will team with Golden Gate High School receiver Javon Burks and Naples High School receiver Tay Pinckney on Baldwin-Wallace. The three players will be freshmen on Baldwin-Wallace’s team in the fall. Golden Gate graduate Devon Woods will be a sophomore receiver with the Yellow Jackets.

Zuluaga compiled 2,700 combined yards rushing and receiving and 24 touchdowns in his career at Gulf Coast. The 5-foot-9, 190-pound Zuluaga will also see time at receiver for the Yellow Jackets.

“It will be nice to have a couple Florida guys there with me,” Zuluaga said. “The family environment there was key for me.”

Tague caught 10 passes for 170 yards as a senior for the Sharks this past season. Wittenberg, a five-time Division III national champion, has had back-to-back undefeated regular seasons.

As a defensive back, Ritter led Gulf Coast with five interceptions this season. He also had 34 tackles and blocked a field goal attempt.

“It took a lot of weight off my shoulders,” said Ritter of his decision. “I was drowned with phone calls from coaches. It was getting time consuming. Once I made my decision, I was happy with it.”

Tropic Wave fast pitch 14U win Summer mayhem tourney

Tropic Wave Fast Pitch Softball 14U team attended the United States Specialty Sports Association’s Summer Mayhem tournament in Sarasota on June 11 and 12.

The weekend proved to be an offensive show for Tropic Wave as they outscored their three opponents by a combined score of 46-5.

Solid defense supported the pitching staff in all games – and this continued into the championship game victory by a score of 9-1.

Members of the Tropic Wave are Adra Barnes, Madi Cernohous, Lauren DiLeo, Becca Gates, Gaby Hernandez, Danielle Klym, Samantha Klym, Tori Owen, Navia Penrod, Michele Peterson, Deztiney Prevatt and Kasey Robbins.

The team is made up of players from Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero.

Tropic Wave also has a 10U team and a 12U team. Any interested players can contact Andrea Peterson at 269-4280.

Youth Basketball League looking for players

The Naples Youth Basketball League is taking applications for the fall 2011 season. The league session will begin on Sept. 10 and will include boys and girls ages 5 to 17. Games will be played at Seacrest Country Day School in East Naples.

For more information, call 330-4947 or send an email to customer.service@playnybl.com.