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Lucky number seven. The Winter Park boys' cross country program has won six state championships including a run of five in six years (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2006). After an eight year drought atop the podium, Coach Will Anguish feels confident about this year's team and their chances. The Wildcats looked in control for the first 500 meters last year, but unfortunately it's 5,000 meters and not 500 as they finished in 11th. They will return their top fifteen runners from last season. Talk about depth of a team.
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They don't have a specific number one or two runner instead a solid group of five that consists of Jackson (Jr.) and Alex Boucher (So.), Nick Strange (Sr.), Henry Brenner (Sr.) and Chase Hippler (Sr.) The second pack of runners includes Ethan Stephenson (So.), Ryan Sullivan (So.), Matt Hopwood (Jr.) and Cory Cousino (Jr.) Both the girls and guys attended Brevard Running Camp several weeks ago, and Anguish adds that 8-9 of his guys will log at least 500 miles this summer.
Looking at the numbers, the Wildcats are the top ranked team in 4A. The Boucher brothers crossed the line last year in nearly identical times to finish 53rd and 54th respectively. They might not have a top ten, top twenty, or even top thirty placer, but that is okay. Their miniscule 1-5 split of 16.68 second is phenomenal. That tight pack should push through their top five before many teams get their top three in. The Wildcats should have seven runners under 17 minutes and could have as many as 10-12 by season's end.
Several of their top harriers showcased their speed on the track this outdoor season. The predicted starting five of Boucher, Boucher, Strange, Brenner, and Hippler also posted 1,600 marks under 4:40. The group was separated by less than six seconds when it came to season bests, lead by Jackson Boucher's 4:34.73.
Coming off a strong track season, putting in the summer mileage, and a program with a strong pedigree, Winter Park s the favorite in 4A. If Brandon Marquez returns for his junior season, they could face a tough test from Timber Creek. Other possible teams in the mix are Dr. Phillips, Coral Reef, and Columbus. Coach Anguish and company should be seeing sevens in their future.
Coming off a strong track season, putting in the summer mileage, and a program with a strong pedigree, Winter Park s the favorite in 4A. If Brandon Marquez returns for his junior season, they could face a tough test from Timber Creek. Other possible teams in the mix are Dr. Phillips, Coral Reef, and Columbus. Coach Anguish and company should be seeing sevens in their future.
Coach Anguish Says...
"We don't have the freshman class we had last year, but this year sophomores Alex Boucher and Ethan Stephenson will have full summers behind them for the first time. Ryan Sullivan is returning from injury after a good freshman year last fall. Ethan Stephenson and Chase Hippler could surprise some people. If any or all of Alex Boucher, Jackson Boucher, Nick Strange and Henry Brenner have big years we'll be very competitive. I think we're one of five teams or so that could be in the hunt at state if things go well."
2014 Returner's Top Times
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Boys 5,000 Meter Run (XC) |
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16:36.85 | Boucher, Alex | FSU Invitational (Pre-State) |
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16:41.92 | Brenner, Henry | FSU Invitational (Pre-State) |
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16:43.30 | Boucher, Jackson | FHSAA 4A District 4 |
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16:49.56 | Strange, Nicholas | FSU Invitational (Pre-State) |
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16:53.53 | Hippler, Chase | FSU Invitational (Pre-State) |
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16:54.13 | Sullivan, Ryan | UF Mt. Dew Invitational |
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Boys 3,200 Meter Run |
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10:03.76 | Brenner, Henry | FHSAA 4A District 4 |
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10:20.04 | Boucher, Jackson | Lake Brantley Invitational |
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10:32.29 | Hippler, Chase | Brian Jaeger Elite Classic |
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10:37.89 | Cousino, Cory | Pepsi Florida Relays |
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Boys 1,600 Meter Run |
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4:33.74 | Boucher, Jackson | Lake Brantley Open |
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4:34.59 | Boucher, Alex | Metro Conference Championship |
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4:35.94 | Brenner, Henry | Metro Conference Championship |
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4:36.25 | Hippler, Chase | FHSAA 4A District 4 |
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4:39.44 | Strange, Nicholas | Brian Jaeger Elite Classic |
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More Coverage
- Winter Park Team Page
- Overall Boys Team Rankings
- Boys 4A Team Rankings (Based on 5k returners)
- Boys 4A Team Rankings (Based on 3200m times)
- Boys 4A Team Rankings (Based on 1600m times)