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BOYS WINNER: Xavier Atkins - Freshman @ Spruce Creek
Xavier Atkins made a name for himself on the AAU Circuit and is continuing to make noise as a freshman at Spruce Creek High School. Recently, the class of 2015 standout ran three meets in a span of six days. Coach Craig Janson says the first leg of the week running at LSU Relays was both a lot of fun an educational trip as well for Atkins.
"He made the finals in 10.80 and then false started in the finals. He was also a major contribution to our 4x1 and 4x4 relays. He spent every moment that wasn't on the track in front of the books with Zoe Volenec (one of our IB student captains for tutoring.) Educations comes first and to be a student athlete at the next level he needs to be taught how to study and compete assignments on time. "
The next round of meets came at the beginning of the week in the Five Star Conference Freshman/Sophomore meet. It was a chance for "Zay" to tune up and concentrated on form, and his start. Atkins cruised to times of 10.98 in the 100, 21.89 in the 200, and a rare test in the 400 where he crossed the line in 51.13. It was then onto the Five Star Conference Championships where he would face off against several runners he has had a chance to study over the past two months. Coach Janson says that meet was all about team.
"In order for us to reach our goal of repeating as conference champions we knew that we every single athlete would have to do their job. His job was to win the 100,200, and run a strong relay leg. Running against the level of talent we have this year in the conference is a big help to him because let's face it Charles (Nelson) and James (Clark) are definitely not going to just roll over and let him win."
The rivalry between the three extends from their days on the AAU circuit and now to the high school level. It's a rivalry that pushed Atkins to a new personal best 10.45 to win the 100 meter dash at the Five Star Conference Championships. The mark is tops in the nation for a freshman by more than two-tenths of a second and one of the all-time fastest in Florida history for a ninth grader. Ironically, it is the second time Atkins has run 10.45. The first was struck from the records due to faulty electronic sensors. Coach Janson says he had no doubts that Atkins was legitimate.
"It is ironic that he ran the same 10.45 that he did at the Spruce Creek Invitational, but now the asterisk can be completely removed. His start was flawless for the 100. He is incredibly smooth and kind of reminds me of Carl Lewis with the long powerful stride. He remains relaxed which allows him to use less energy. He has been truly blessed with speed and natural ability. His only limits will be those he places on himself."
At only 15 years old, all the success can take a toll on the youngster. Janson knows that speed is one thing that can't be taught. He is working on things like Atkins' start and just keeping him balanced. As for an appearance at the Florida Pepsi Relays in a star studded 100 meters Janson says although it'd be nice that isn't the main focus.
"Xavier is not scheduled to run the open 100 meters at UF this weekend. He might be on a relay, but nothing is etched in stone. His season will go into June and July with national meets so worrying about this one race while it might be nice to see, it just isn't the main focus right now. Right now it's about being prepared in the classroom and on the track. While one area comes with great ease, the other is more of a challenge for him."
If Atkins can stay on track athletically and academically the future is bright. In three years he has the potential to be one of the best sprinters to come through the Sunshine State with guys like Marvin Bracy and Jeff Demps. Coach Janson believes it is a possibility that will eventually pan out.
'I have looked at their stats at the same age and they are comparable, but only time will truly tell who was the best. It will be fun to watch."
GIRLS WINNER: Deja Parrish - Sophomore @ Plantation American Heritage
Plantation American Heritage standout Deja Parrish continued a super sophomore season with some impressive performances at the City of Miramar Invitational. Parrish kicked off the finals in the 400, reeled off an impressive start and blazed through the finish line in one of the top ten times in state history with a new personal best 53.34. She followed that up with a second place finish behind teammate Diamond Spaulding in the 200 with a time of 24.16 which is the 5th best time in Florida for 2012. Coach Mike Rumph says Parrish definitely deserves the accolades.
“As a staff we felt Deja was a warrior at the Miramar Invite. Her performance was a compliment of her work ethic, focus and strong will. She has a strong vision of what she needs to do or times she wants to get down for each meet. Her goals are on her mind constantly and this is what makes them reachable.
In addition to an outstanding performance at the Miramar Invitational, Parrish has not finished less than third in either the 200 or 400 all season. This includes some of the best meets in the state like Louie Bing, Sam Burley, and Bob Hayes. Rumph says what impresses him the most about Parrish is strong mind at such a young age.
“Most athletes run off pure talent and don’t find ways to mentally get an advantage on their competition, but Deja Parrish does. Her sophomore season has gotten off to a great start. I think the next four weeks will tell how she ends her 2012 season. Our team goal is to win our third state championship in a row. Deja’s goal is to be the best in each of her events, so she clearly stands who is standing in the way of reaching her goal.”
Standing in her way in the South Florida spotlight is Miami Jackson senior Robin Reynolds. Parrish who finished second in the 400 at last year’s 2A state meet in 56.36 only trails Reynolds on the state leaderboard for 2012. Her times are nearly three second better than they were on that day. Rumph says not only has Parrish’s success shone bright, but it also has put her in the same page as South Florida’s top runners.
“I do feel like Deja has not only come out of Robin Reynolds’ shadow, but has put her alongside the great sprinter. However, we all know that there cannot be a tie for first place. I see college track and field in Deja’s future. She is an excellent student and there are no limits as to what she can do on the track.
Deja's Athlete Profile