BOYS WINNER - Chris Godwin - Senior @ Buchholz
Chris Godwin spent his summer training like a warrior at Warrior Running Camp. Two weeks into the season that hard work has resulted in two first place finishes. His impressive time of 15:48.77 at the Ridgeview Bob Hans Invitational has made him this week's Warrior of the Week. Coach Ron Norris was pleased with the performance.
"I thought he ran a smart race. He didn't have any challengers really after the first 400-500 meters. He was basically running in free air and alone from that point on. It was a comfortable victory for him even though he was running at a pretty good clip."
Norris explains that it is Godwin's desire and passion for the sport that make him so good. His goals are to improve from his 10th place finish a year ago and place higher at Foot Locker South. As a co-captain on the team, he has also had a profound impact on the Buchholz program.
"This is only his third year running, but he's stepped it up from the get go as a sophomore and became the number one runner. He's one of the top one or two athletes I've coached in my 37 year career in this North Florida region. He's been incredible and all the kids look up to him because they know he has gotten to where he is at by hard work and trying to improve on his talent."
Chris's Athlete Profile
GIRLS WINNER - Olivia Ortiz - Junior @ Lakewood Ranch
Olivia Ortiz displayed grit, toughness, and perseverance at the Deja Vu Invitational. All three are characteristics of a warrior. The Lakewood Ranch junior finished just shy of the win in 18:26.30. It is a performance that earns her the honor of Warrior of the Week. Coach Mary Quinn says the game plan was to maintain consistent splits throughout the race.
"The only thing I told her was to go out faster than 5:45 in the mile and she was at 5:53. The next mile I wanted them to be within 30 seconds of that time because that is usually where I see them drop off the pace. She was well within that time frame."
As a matter of fact, Ortiz posted a negative split in her third mile running a 6:06, 21 seconds faster than mile number two. The Lakewood Ranch cross country program gives an award to the runner with the best splits which the junior accomplished. Quinn credits the performance to a battle the last mile with Estero's Kacy Smith.
"Olivia is a very determined and driven athlete and when she sees a possibility of winning or overtaking someone it's like a carrot dangling in front of her and she went for it. I think if it was a 3.1 mile course she would have taken her. It is going to be interesting because they will be going head to head at our next two meets. I'm sure Kacy Smith is going to be looking out for her and Olivia will be lining up next to her. It's going to be a good competitive battle if you ask me."
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