Brandon Marquez didn't rock the Timber Creek singlet this fall opting to run on his own this season. Marquez was the 4A runner-up at the Cross Country Finals as a freshman and finished third his sophomore year in 2013. In 2014, he was no where to be found. He ran one unattached meet this season. The first week of the year he made a statement winning the Wickham Park Cross Country Jamboree in 15:23, a meet he self proclaimed as a "rust buster". As the high school season went on our focus shifted to those competing in FHSAA competition. The junior was quietly preparing for something larger, the Foot Locker South Regional, and a chance to be in the top ten and earn a trip to San Diego for Foot Locker Nationals.
"The past six months I've basically worked myself up from being injured and at square one again to where I feel confident in my level of fitness. I think the key has been consistent and smart training to the type of runner I've always been, and that has let me run since then without a day of pain. Missing out on a typical season was a tough personal decision to make, and definitely makes me a little hungrier to get on the line at McAlpine."
In addition to the opening race at Wickham Park, Marquez says he was able to get in several open races to keep sharp while he trained. He was 40th at Foot Locker South two years ago and our Foot Locker South Regional predictions have him taking the ninth out of ten spots to San Diego. He knows the field assembled will be filled to the brim with talent and is excited to see what he can do against top notch talent when healthy.
"The goal is to qualify and represent Florida and the south at Foot Locker Nationals. Staying patient in a tough race like this would be my best bet to get there."
