Christopher Columbus High School in Miami was a cross country powerhouse from 2008-2011 winning the 4A title three times before coming in second in 2011. Since then it's been a different story for the Explorers, who have been in uncharted territory, with three different coaches in the last three years. Dominick Cabera and Eric Pino who ran for Columbus themselves, and served as assistants on those winning teams will be at the helm. After finishing 14th last year, the team hasn't dwelled on the past, instead focusing on the present with the motto, "new season and new goals".
The team which goes by the nickname, the Hellions, for postseason competition will have a majority of their team returning which gives them stability needed for the long season. Pino is hoping his squad will get through the summer inury free, and says they are progessing as planned: nice and slowly. The projected top seven are Humberto Freire, Jorge and Danny Areces, Peter Hernandez, Connor Gonzalez, Alejandro Gonzalez, and Norman Valenzuela who Pino says has committed himself to the goal and it's definitely paying dividends. Adding depth to their team will be incoming freshman Andy Del-Valle (younger brother of AJ Del-Valle), and Mario and Christopher Garcia. They will contribute in 10-man varsity races and look to be future pieces to the varsity puzzle.
According to our overall team rankings Columbus is the 12th fastest team, but that number improves when you narrow the search to just the 4A rankings. Winter Park looks to be the top team, but after that it is a four way race between Timber Creek, Dr. Phillips, Columbus, and Coral Reef with 246, 276, 284, and 293 predicted points. If Brandon Marquez, does not run for Timber Creek, that would alter the team standings quite a bit. There are no superstars on this team like in year's past, Freire and Hernandez are the 44th and 45th fastest individuals, but what makes this group so strong is their ability to run as a pack. They have an average time of 16:52.36, but a 1-5 split of just under 16 seconds, the fastest of any team in 4A.
Columbus started their Press On Camp on June 16th and have slowly built up their mileage all summer, peaking at around 50 per week. The squad recently just finished their "week away" where they peaked their mileage and focused on what it means to be a Hellion.
Coach Pino Says...
2014 Returner's Top Times
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Boys 5,000 Meter Run (XC) |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 16:45.85 | Freire, Humberto | FSU Invitational (Pre-State) |
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| 16:46.30 | Hernandez, Pedro | FSU Invitational (Pre-State) |
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| 16:52.33 | Areces, Jorge | FSU Invitational (Pre-State) |
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| 16:54.60 | Gonzalez, Connor | flrunners.com Invitational 14 |
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Boys 3,200 Meter Run |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 10:20.43 | Areces, Jorge | Ferguson Falcons Invitational |
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| 10:40.17 | Areces, Daniel | Ferguson Falcons Invitational |
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| 10:56.88 | Hernandez, Pedro | Ferguson Falcons Invitational |
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Boys 1,600 Meter Run |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 4:34.07 | Freire, Humberto | Sam Burley Hall of Fame Invitational |
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| 4:45.02 | Areces, Jorge | Ferguson Falcons Invitational |
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| 4:46.90 | Arzola, Antonio | FHSAA 4A District 16 |
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| 4:46.92 | Severdija, Ryan | FHSAA 4A District 16 |
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| 4:55.24 | Gonzalez, Connor | Louie Bing Classic |
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| 4:55.62 | Aguirre, Carlos | Ferguson Falcons Invitational |
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