Course Records Are Meant To Be Broken: Cross Takes Down Atkinsons MDB Time With 16:10.43

Mount Dora Bible Invitational
Todd Grasley


(Photos by Marty Hammond)

If you're looking for an easy course and quick time, the Mount Dora Bible Invitational isn't for you. Former coach Nathan Means, called it the toughest course in the state.

Merritt Island junior Steven Cross tested his skils this weekend and came away with a new course record. Mustang's coach Bill Buonanni says he and Cross discussed the old record of 16:12 set by Melbourne's Brian Atkinson in 2009, the morning of the race.

"He wanted to go for it. Atkinson is a legend in Brevard County. I saw Steven numerous times along the way and with about 800m to go, he was off pace by about ten seconds. I let him know and he put the hammer down. He's had a great year so far, but I think there is more to come."

Cross who has not finished worse than second in any of his seven races this year, ran unchallenged from the gun, and still managed to topple Atkinson's time coming in at 16:10.43, a minute and 44 seconds faster than the nearest competitor!
 
The same year Atkinson posted that time (2009) he won his third cross country state championship, was 10th at Foot Locker South, and 23rd at Foot Locker Nationals. Cross will have to contend against Sukhi Khosla for the 3A crown in mid November, but a strong showing at Foot Locker South is definitely also in the future plans.

Team Player

Cross' performance was also special in regards to the team. For the first time in as long as Coach Buonanni can remember, at least the last decade, the Mustang boys brought home the team trophy.The girls won as well with an impressive 18 points making the sweep equally as sweet!

MDB 8th Grader Clark Moves Up To Third All-Time

Mount Dora's Rebecca Clark is quietly making a name for herself. The younger sister of former Bulldog standout, Troy Clark, who owns a top five time on the course, had a superior race as well. Clark ran 19:13.00 on the challenging terrain, the third fastest all-time behind only Bryce Seymour's 19:03 and Vanessa Valentine's 19:08 in 2011. The youngster finished in the top twenty at the flrunners.com Race of Champions, as well as Pre-State, and should be a medalist at the Cross Country Finals in less than a month.

More Coverage