1A Girls Teams
Rankings By: Joe McKinney (Episcopal)- jmcki5@aol.com & Matt Paulk (Buchholz)- mattpaulk@hotmail.com
1. Holy Trinity- This one is so clear cut that even Butler couldn't sandbag their way to # 2. The title appears HTA's to lose, as they return everyone and add a stellar Scorp, Rebecca Zuhlke, to the lineup. One question is how they overcome a shaky track season in which some teams surely made up ground.
2. Oak Hall- Definitely the team that made up the most ground during the spring. Abbey improved to 11:40 in the 3200 (beating Joiner) and the team got a transfer of its own in Bronson 8th grader Lacey Huddleston. Add to the mix a Stevie Uribe who appeared to be back to her old self on the oval, and you have the lone team that - at least early on - has a shot a slaying the giants. Depth will be the team's issue to deal with, as finding a standout 4-5 runners will be key.
3. Maclay- Gary Droze is . well you know how much I respect the guy. More importantly, though, is the MoreOtters return lineup that includes Piekarwicz and Betsy MacQueen. Last time they lost their state title crown (2000), they came right back and claimed gold the next season (2001). It's been so long since they've been out of the top-2 that Doug Butler had a full head of hair the last time it happened.
4. Benjamin- Returns a deeper squad than the rest of the pack of chasers, but the Orange and Blue squad will have to improve tons to crack the top-3. Anderson and Daubert sisters make this thing a true family affair.
5. Episcopal- The Eagles didn't graduate anyone, and looked to have a shot at improving on last year's 4th place finish, but it's doubtful that Emily Ingham will return until the winter and depth will play into the Eagles success. Steel provides a solid # 2, and Sara Loveless appears to be headed back to her younger days when she placed top-10 at the state meet. Coach Kendall's squad has placed in the top-5 every year during her tenure.
6. Berkely Prep- return its entire top-5 from last year's state team that placed 8th. Elchahal is experienced and Pikos was a promising newcomer on the rise last season.
7. Ransom Everglades- always tough, and loses just 2 of their top-7. Will have to replace Claudia Amendola, the team's # 1, but they have a history of reloading, not rebuilding
8. Indian Rocks Christian- Kotchman and crew are tough and will be tough for a long time coming. Look for this year's product to be much of the same, led by the phenom and a strong chase pack.
9. Trinity Prep- had a down race at the state meet, but very tight pack that improved during track season. If that improvement, along with that of Alicia Ivanhoe continues, the Saints will garner their typical top-10 performance.
10. St. Andrews- I know that this seems low for the 5th place finisher from last year. But Cathy Fischer was a trademark at the school and Rodriguez is question mark after cutting track season short. This team could definitely outrun their ranking, and with some depth to go along with the defending state champ, could move up quck.
11. Academy of Holy Names
12. St. John Neumann
13. Shorecrest Prep
14. PK Yonge
15. Sarasota Christian
1A Girls Individuals
1. Fran Rodriguez (St. Andrews)- She is the defending state champ and that makes her # 1 in my book unless she's transferred schools or moved to Colorado to train with the Kaltenbach's. Her powerful kick gives her a strong tactical tool.
2. Robyn DeBenedet (Episcopal)- DeBenedet is hungry for her first individual state title (she has three as a member of a team) and she wants to get it in cross country. A strong summer and incredible attitude may be the key. Look for this one to have a breakout year if she can stay healthy and consistent.
3. Melissa Kotchman (IRC)- This top-3 sounds familiar as they were this way much of the year last season. Melissa is as consistent as ever and her leg speed is improving, as evidenced by a 5:07 1600 in the spring.
4. Haley Mercer (Kings)- Wow !! What a breakout track season, and this youngster will be out to prove that the oval was no fluke. Her powerful finish in the 1600 and wire-to-wire victory in the 3200 equaled an impressive double at the state track meet.
5. Danielle Abbey (Oak Hall)- Danielle improved with each passing week last season and will once again be a force in 2003. As she gets more racing experience she becomes more dangerous. She'll be in the hunt for Gold.
6. Chelsey Joiner (HTA)- Drops a couple of spots from her state finish based on a rocky track season. Back on the grass, there's little doubt that Miss Joiner will be back up front.
7. Rebecca Zulke (HTA)- As a frosh, the blonde placed 4th in Class 3A (19:43) while a member of Satelite's team. Under the guidance of Coach Butler and with training partners like Joiner, Rebecca is certain to get better and form an unstoppable 1-2 punch for the Tigers.
8. Mercedes Anderson (Benjamin)- She too moves ahead of some from last year's state meet based on improvement shown in track. She's improved every year so far, and no reason why this season won't be much of the same story.
9. Jade Miller (HTA)-Yea, 3 in the top-10 !! Not too good for the Diaper Dandies. Miller is a stud in the making - stepping up big time for the Tigers in the postseason last year. Very quiet (as was much of the HTA crew) during track. But there's something in the grass in Melbourne.
10: Sara Petrick (Academy of Holy Names) - Sara ran inconsistent in the postseason last year, busting out fast times at conference and region, but faltering a district and state. She had a strong 3200 at the State 2A track meet and will likely parlay that into success on the course for her junior year.
11. Lindsay Putman (Holy Trinity)
12. Lacey Huddleston (Oak Hall)
13. Laura Steel (Episcopal)
14. Adriana Piekarewicz (Maclay)
15. Stevie Uribe (Oak Hall)
2A Girls Teams
Rankings By: Les Adler (Gulliver)- lestorun@aol.com
1. Bishop Kenny – I know it's a shock, but live with it, since Lourdes is gone its BK " do it my way" just reloads.
2. Pensacola Catholic– Expect a move from this team only 1 graduating senior in top 5
3. Pope John Paul- Do not need any help from the Pontiff on this one, this team is the sleeper this year with a healthy Nicole Schappert and some back up singers to matches.
4. Bolles- Led by Heather Marees, upcoming Galogly and most likely many more , this team always comes through
5. Gulliver - My sentimental favorite with a young and incredibly talented team, I expect them to do well this year and to dominate down the road
OTHERS:
Lincoln Park
Cocoa Beach
Gulf
Rockledge
Lecanto
Crystal River
Cardinal Gibbons
2A Girls Individuals
1. Nicole Schappart (Pope John Paul)- State 3200 and 1600 champ and injury free – cannot see anyone beating her this year
2. Mallory Wellman (Bishop Kenny)- 3rd at last years and itching to do better
3. Heather Marees (Bolles)- 2nd last year and could be the champ if her base is good
4. Jillian Gill (Gulliver)- Veteran in the 8th grade with a good summer of running under her tiny belt, gritty tough and determined
5. Kelly Marshall (Bishop Kenny)- Up there last year and very consistent
6. Anna Greskovich (Pensacola Cath)- Expect her to be fully hydrated this year and could be the wild card
7. Courtney Hall (Bishop Kenny)- Rounds out a talented squad
8. Amy Beth Galogly (Bolles)- Unknown last xc season but a heck of a track runner – going out on a limb here, she could be a factor
9. Jackie Areson (Pope John Paul)- Will be pulled through by team mate to bigger things
10. Sasha Mera (Gulliver)- New to school and running scene – I've seen her run - enough said
OTHERS (11-15):
Laura Woznicki
Kara Nielson
Lauren Lambert
Courtney Bailey
Jeanette Courmier
16-30 Golden Creavy (Nease)
Natalie Saltmarsh (Bishop Moore)
Melissa Dettoli (Gulf)
Apryl Wall (Clearwater Catholic)
Deidra Witherspoon (Lecanto)
Hail Bordelon (Pensacola Cath)
Josephine Hartie (Stanton)
Mackenzie Twigg (BK)
Amanda Rodriguez (Bishop Moore)
Amber Shuhart (Gulf)
Kaitlin Granger (Lincoln)
Ashley Rebstock (Gulliver)
Renee Sasso (Gulliver)
Nikki Aronson (Gulliver)
Katie Huertz (BK)
3A Girls Teams
Rankings By: Ary Montalvo (Lourdes)- coachmonti@yahoo.com
1. Our Lady of Lourdes Academy- Returns Valeria Rodriguez -19:30, Alexa Arteaga 19:50, Leilani Caraballo 20:31 and Katie Brown 20:31 – with the lost of Sanchez, de Varona and Cruz to graduation, those positions will be up for grabs by members of the Varsity B and JV team. Leading contenders are Kyla Salles, who was injured most of last year and has State experience as a freshmen 2 years ago, along with the ever improving Manuela Rodriguez, Aly Lopez and the sophomores candidates Lindsey Cugno and Jessica Conway. The key to the season lays in how long will it take for this group of runners mature.
2. St. Thomas Aquinias- This team will return all five members from last years 3rd place finish at State. Courtney Marsh-1944, along with fellow teammate Savannah Moon-1952 will be the leaders on this team. A slight improvement from their number 5 runners might put them over the top.
3. Tampa Plant- TCoach Harrison (8 State Titles) will have his troops ready, when the Championship series rolls around. They have good nucleus of runner to continue on their quest to repeat as State Champions. The lost of Giordano, Redford and Dunkel will leave a big hole, but don't count them out just yet.
4. Ft. Walton Beach- This team also returns all top five runners from their State appearance team and could make the 3A division one heck of a battle. Brittany Hitpass 1954 will lead the way.
5. Chiles- Like Lourdes Academy this team also moved up from 2A to 3A. They have a tight pack of runners which should do well at the State competition. Like STA they need some help at the number 5 position, if they get the improvement, anything will be possible.
6. Jupiter-This team returns their top 5 runners and should be contending for a top 10 finish. This team will be led by Kathryn Maxson -2004 and bunch of season veterans.
7. Largo- Although they lose their number 4 and 5 runners, Hunter and Mackay, it remains to be seen if they can recuperate from this lost.
8. Barron Collier- This team lost its' number 2 runner Steffen, but they run in a very tight pack (45 seconds apart) this could help them this season to stay in the top 10
9. Seminole- This team will contend for a top 10 finish. They will be led by Lauren Vogel -2014, but the lost of number 2 and 3 runner, Stranky and Giesa will hurt them some.
3A Girls Individuals
1. Laura Bowerman (King)
2. Valeria Rodriguez (Lourdes)
3. Courtney Marsh (Aquinias)
4. Anna Adams (Choctawhatchee)
5. Alex Arteaga (Lourdes)
6. Savannah Moon (Aquinias)
7. Kate Maxson (Jupiter)
8. Amanda Hahn (Gainesville)
9. Lindsey Wise (Palm Bay)
10. Laurel Vogel (Seminole)
11. Maria Hampton (Chiles)
12. Cynthia Watson (Cyrpess Lakes)
13. Danielle Shimner (LOL)
14. Layla Hall (Largo)
15. Amanda Monde (Jupiter)
16. Lauren Moxey (Aquinias)
17. Callie Masserellia (Choctawhatchee)
18. LeiLani Carbello (Lourdes)
19. Catherine Brown (Lourdes)
20. Natalie Richards (Palm Bay)
4A Girls Teams
Rankings By: Mike Gibson- hootergibson@hotmail.com
1. Spanish River
2. Boone
3. Martin County
4. Buchholz
5. Cooper City
6. Oak Ridge
7. Winter Park
8. Oviedo
9. Dr.Phillips
10. Sarasota Riverview
4A Girls Individuals
1. Jenny Barringer (Oviedo) 2. Devin Gaptsur (Martin County) 3. Jacy Kruzel (Cooper City) 4. Danielle Amleida (Spanish River) 5. Lavera Morris (Oak Ridege) 6. Kerry Allen (St. Pete) 7. Fallon Heffernan (Fletcher) 8. Jessica Forrester (Bloomingdale) 9. Amanda Hintze (Lake Brantly) 10. Caryn Dionne (Martin County)