Our Lady of Lourdes Academy in Miami has been a major staple for girls cross country in the state of Florida. They're currently riding a 15 year streak of top ten finishes at the Cross Country Finals and 2013 looks to continue adding to that streak.
Although they graduated a couple of their top athletes from last year's eighth place squad, they're coming off another successful track and field season and have a lot of young talent on the rise. Coach Rebecca Rodriguez-Michalak says her girls are highly motivated, disciplined and fueled with faith in each other and in the team's goals. Three seniors Lourdes (Luly) Brea, who finished 25th at the state meet last year, along with Tina Figuera and Bianca Barrios are the leaders of this squad. Sophomores Alyssa Fraga and Lauren Garcia, as well as juniors Isabella Anchetta and Madison Fernandez have state meet experience and will return. Look for freshmen Calyope Oretga and Sabrina Quijano hope to make an impact on the top seven and help the Bobcats get back on track . The key for Lourdes will be their depth and their ability to stay injury free. Three of their top five in 2012 were sidelined with injuries and that cost the team in the long run.. This summer the team focused on developing strength, agility, and flexibility and attended the FSU camp where they had the opportunity to run some of the best trails in the state of Florida.The Bobcats are currently ranked third behind Ferguson and St. Thomas Aquinas in 4A.
Coach Rodriguez-Michalak Says...
"Last season we placed 8th at the state meet, with three out of our top five sidelined with injuries. We spent this summer focusing on developing their strength, agility and flexibility. The emphasis obviously this summer was to stay injury free. The girls went to FSU camp this summer where they were exposed to variety of trails and talks that inspired them.
This year's team is highly motivated and disciplined and fueled with faith in each other and in the team's goals. They were not happy with how they finished off last season, despite some things being out of their control. This feeling is what has driven them this summer to work harder and stay focused in taking care of themselves and each other. Being led by our top three seniors: Luly Brea, Tina Figueras and Bianca Barrios the team is hungry and ready to compete. Freshmen Calyope Oretga and Sabrina Quijano hope to make an impact on the top seven and help the Bobcats get back on track .
Team goal is to stay healthy and hungry. we have a tough Region this year but the girls are ready for the challenge."
Top Returner's Times (Previous Season)
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Girls 5,000 Meter Run (XC) |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 18:59.50 | Brea, Lourdes | flrunners.com Invitational 13 |
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| 20:11.50 | Garcia, Lauren | flrunners.com Invitational 13 |
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| 20:31.20 | Fernandez, Madison | flrunners.com Invitational 13 |
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| 20:32.65 | Fraga, Alyssa | FHSAA Cross Country State Finals |
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| 20:36.13 | Barrios, Bianca | FHSAA 4A District 15 |
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Girls 3,200 Meter Run |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 10:56.65 | Brea, Lourdes | FSU Relays |
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| 12:10.54 | Fernandez, Madison | FSU Relays | 2013-03-22 |
| 12:39.68 | Garcia, Lauren | Florida Relays | 2013-04-04 |
| 12:44.85 | Fraga, Alyssa | Belen Dual: Ferguson, Lourdes | 2013-04-09 |
| Girls 1,600 Meter Run | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:09.86 | Brea, Lourdes | FHSAA 4A District 15 |
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| 5:39.89 | Fraga, Alyssa | Brian Jaeger Elite Classic |
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| 5:46.11 | Figueras, Cristina | Belen Dual Meet: Ferguson, Lourdes |
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| 5:56.63 | Fernandez, Madison | Belen Dual Meet: Ferguson, Lourdes |
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| 5:59.01 | Barrios, Bianca | Sam Burley Hall of Fame Invitational |
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