Citrus Summer Showdown 2007

 Ryan Courtoy, 2006 graduate of Tampa Wharton and current USF athlete, won the mens title of the Citrus Summer Showdown today with a time of 16:02.  It was a largely collegiate battle up front this year in the mens division; the first high schooler was Tyler Maier who finished in 13th place with a time of 17:32.  Many collegians and recent alumni who many will recognize finished near the front:  Eric Waler (Florida Southern) 2nd place 16:19, Pedro Carela (Wharton/USF) 3rd place 16:20 Lee Stephens (Florida Southern), Mike Harney (Florida Gulf Coast), James Osbourne (Tampa Jesuit/Duke), William Koeppel (Florida Southern), and many others finished near the front of the pack.On the women's side Jacki Waller-Wachtel, 1997 River Ridge High grad and current womens head coach at Pasco-Hernando Community College, successfully defended her title for the third straight year.  And she actually has gotten faster with each year--going 18:44 this time around.  Deidra Witherspoon of Florida International University (Lecanto alumni) finished in second place with a time of 19:39.   As usual at the Citrus Summer Showdown it was the Wharton High show for the girls.  Wharton's Katrina Skinner was the first high school finisher with a time of 20:11 (4th place).  She was followed by many bright blue-clad teammates including her sister Kathia Skinner who was 7th place overall in 20:25.The Citrus Summer Showdown is a great mid-summer tradition in Central Florida.  While Inverness is a long haul out there, it's worth the trip.  It has a great, young race environment (unlike most road races you attend) with a lot of personality and energy.  Best of all the race is FREE to enter thanks to the tireless efforts of race founder and director Milton Lyons and the Citrus Road Runners.  Everyone should attend next summer!  What a great summer fitness test or time trial for a team!Photo GalleryResults