2012 was a special year for the Immokalee boys cross country team. The Indians reached the podium and hoisted the runner-up trophy. The team learned that chemistry, depth, and leadership are the most important things to being successful, and are hoping those things can carry them in 2013. Coach Hugo Gijon returns five of his top seven from the state meet last year lead by senior Leonel Delacruz who finished fifth. He will be joined by seniors Frandy Cherilus, Robert Aguirre, Hector Hernandez, Marco Hernandez, junior Urias Vasquez, and sophomore Alex Ruiz. to make up the starting seven.Most of the team attended Cavalier Distance Camp in Montreat, North Carolina, where they trained together and continued team bonding. Gijon likes to have fun with the team's training over the summer and doesn't get specific until the season gets underway. The team relies on their cohesiveness and their strong pack running throughout the season. According to the pre-season rankings, Immokalee is predicted to finish fourth. Trinity Prep, who moved up from 1A, is the favorite, with Tampa Jesuit, a good distance behind. If the Indians can close the gap between their number four and five runners, leaping past Bishop Kenny and Tampa Jesuit into a podium spot isn't unrealistic.
Coach Hugo Gijon Says...
"Our goal as a team is always to improve from our accomplisments the previous year. We would definitely like to be one of the best teams in the state by the end of the year. Our biggest focus will be on our district, regional and state meet, but we will travel to Titusvillve for the flrunners.com Invitational Tallahasse for Pre-State to see how we compare against the top teams in the state."
Top Returner's Times (Previous Seasons)
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Boys 5,000 Meter Run |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 16:03.40 | Delacruz, Leonel | North Port XC Invitational |
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| 16:47.76 | Velasquez, Urias | FHSAA Cross Country State Finals |
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| 16:57.01 | Cherilus, Frandy | FHSAA Cross Country State Finals |
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| 17:06.84 | Venegas, Guillermo | FHSAA Cross Country State Finals |
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| 17:45.10 | Hernandez, Marco | flrunners.com Invitational 13 |
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| 18:03.04 | Hernandez, Hector | FHSAA Cross Country State Finals |
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Boys 3,200 Meter Run |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 9:36.01 | Delacruz, Leonel | FHSAA 2A Outdoor State Finals |
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| 10:19.77 | Velasquez, Urias | Collier County Championships |
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| 10:39.92 | Cherilus, Frandy | Bear Run Invitational |
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| 10:41.60 | Ruiz, Alex | Collier County Championships |
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Boys 1,600 Meter Run |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 4:21.16 | Delacruz, Leonel | FHSAA 2A Outdoor State Finals |
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| 4:45.01 | Velasquez, Urias | Tarpon Invitational |
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| 4:57.18 | Ruiz, Alex | Collier County Championships |
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