1A Region 2 (On-Site Coverage By Todd Grasley, Jeff Adams, Tom Connor, Andy Warrener)
The smallest classification in the triple regional at Holloway Park in Lakeland is arguably one of the best in 1A. Three of the top six returners from last year's 1A Cross Country finals return led by 4th place finisher Hannah Brookover of Calvary Christian. Brookover ran a new personal best at Pre-State at the beginning of the month when she finished 6th in 18:13.00. She won the Crimson Tide Classic in Tuscaloosa two weeks ago and most recently the district championship. The senior has been locked in this season, focusing on the largest meets of the season, and training primarily by herself. Definitely a tough task! Grace Blair of Oak Hall was two spots behind Brookover at state last year, but has the advantage of having run this course already this season where she opened up the year with a win. Both have great track speed and if they both come out of the woods near each other, it could be a sprint to the finish. Lindsay Tomaini from Community School of Naples is the only other athlete in the field that has broke 19 minutes on the year. Other names to watch are Josie Garba of Tampa Prep and Olivia Rovin of Shorecrest Prep who have both had success on this course and this season as well.
The ladies of Oak Hall are no stranger to the 1A podium. We saw Coach Mc's squad in week one and he told us then that they'd be ready by season's end. They scored 24 points to win district and with Blair and an experienced group of runners behind her will be the favorites on Friday. District 8 champions Community School of Naples and District 7 winners Shorecrest Prep will fight for the runner-up trophy with Calvary Christian, Indian Rocks Christian, Evangelical Christian, and Seven Rivers Christian in line for a state berth.
Noah Perkins kicked off 2015 at Holloway Park and the road to state continues their with the regional championship. Perkins who was third at 1A-3 last year, won't have to worry about that this year. He's gone head to head with his closest competitors several times including Luke Peterson and those races have been all about the senior from Seffner Christian. His season at a glance includes four wins, two runner-up finishes, and two fourth place showings. Not only is he the top runner in 1A, but after beating Steven Cross in the flrunners.com boys Race of Champions he put himself as one of the top runners regardless of class. Peterson from Shorecrest Prep will go up against county foes Justin Nunamaker and Hunter McCann who it seems like race each other on a weekly basis. Others to watch include Jack Pironti, Cooper LaBrant, and Kyle Lantz have all ran under 17 minutes.
Peterson's Chargers look to be the favorite for the regional team title with Seffner Christian, Oak Hall, St. Stephens, Indian Rocks Christian, and Cardinal Mooney rounding out the top six.
Girls Virtual Meet (Based On District Results)
Boys Virtual Meet (Based On District Results)
Girls Virtual Meet (Based On Season Bests)
Boys Virtual Meet (Based On Seasons Bests)