Patient Bauman reaches milestone

It took a little longer than he would have liked, but Jesuit coach Bob Bauman recorded his 500th victory Friday night when the Tigers breezed past Middleton for an 8-0 victory.

Bauman had earned his 499th win in the season opener, but then came ties against Tampa Catholic and Robinson and a loss to Tampa Prep. Bauman added win No. 501 Monday night, a 3-0 victory against Sarasota Riverview as the Tigers improved to 3-1-2.

After winning 10 games at Chamberlain, Bauman became coach at Jesuit in 1987 and he has led the Tigers to five state titles and 14 final four appearances. The Tigers finished the 2000-01 season ranked No. 1 in the nation in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/USA Today and Student Sports Soccer polls.

"It means, I guess, that I've been around a long time," Bauman said. "It's really a credit to all the different players and administration, parents that I've been able to work with over the years. It's really a tribute to them, starting at Chamberlain and ever since."

Warriors hitting stride quickly

Steinbrenner High's girls team opened the season with a tie against Gaither, but the Warriors made short work of their next three opponents, mercy-ruling Chamberlain, Lennard and Jefferson behind a dominant forward attack and a steady defense.

The first-year program's 3-0-1 start has gotten a lot of players a lot of time on the field, but Coach Teresa Patterson said the team is falling into place behind the leadership of a number of players, including sophomore and captain Cici Gonzalez.

Gonzalez had a good showing last season as a freshman at Sickles and has continued that trend this year with five goals and six assists. Making for a dynamic attacking tandem through the early part of the season is another sophomore, Taylor Valley, who also has five goals.

Nicholas J.E. Murray, Jarrett Guthrie