The North Port boys finished 18th at last year's state meet and return six of their top seven from 2015 and will rely on their pack running and 1-5 split of 32 seconds to make the podium. Our current 4A rankings have them ranked second behind clear favorite and defending state champions St. Thomas Aquinas. The Bobcats won't have it easy as nearby teams Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Newsome will all be in the hunt. We talked with coach Phu Nguyen about this year's team.
How did your team fare last season and what did you take away from 2015?
The boys finished 18th at the state meet last year. It was a battle to keep the team focused on the 2015 season with them being so young and looking forward to the the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The 18th place finish is still the best finish for the Boys XC team in our school history though.
How is the team looking this year?
We return our top 6 from last year. With a strong track season and a successful off season the team has very lofty goals. The boys xc program at north port has only won one meet in the programs 15 year history (Last year's Canes Classic) And one of our main goals is to improve on that. Also the boys team has been in the shadow of the girls team for the past 3-4 years so they would like to best the girls 5th place finish at states (2013, 2014)
1) Charles Moody 10th
The boys finished 18th at the state meet last year. It was a battle to keep the team focused on the 2015 season with them being so young and looking forward to the the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The 18th place finish is still the best finish for the Boys XC team in our school history though.
How is the team looking this year?
We return our top 6 from last year. With a strong track season and a successful off season the team has very lofty goals. The boys xc program at north port has only won one meet in the programs 15 year history (Last year's Canes Classic) And one of our main goals is to improve on that. Also the boys team has been in the shadow of the girls team for the past 3-4 years so they would like to best the girls 5th place finish at states (2013, 2014)
Projected Top 7:
1) Charles Moody 10th
2) Philip Cutchineal 11th
3)Louie Dietrich 12th
4) Kevin Kapadia 11th
5) Evan Weisberger 12th
6) Dillon Garrett 12th
7) Javier Amaya 10th
What are the strengths of this team?
Competitiveness. (Pack Running) Our team from 1-6 is very close in time wise with all of them wanting to be the best. I can see anyone from our top 6 taking the top spot on any given race.
What has the summer training been like and have you gone to any camps?
This is the first year our team has not gone to camp, but it doesn't take away from the summer training we have had. In addition to upping their mileage we have focused on cross training with weights and cross fit. Cross Country is a sport, so that makes you an athlete. We focused on being more athletic this summer.
Are there any new additions who may contribute or any surprise non-returners?
Our team is basically intact from last year. No new runners. Key addition may be Javier Amaya from our JV squad and Louie Dietrich from injury.
What are the team goals and meets you're keying in on for this year?
Our team goals is to place top 5 at States, and Win a few more meets along the way. Obviously the guys love the North Port XC Invite. Their goal is to win that meet since it's a home meet.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I have relinquished the head coaching duties for the Girls team to my assistant (Jen Reed) I felt it was unfair for both teams for me to try to spread my focus between both groups. I miss the interaction with the girls team, but i know they are in good hands. And very excited in being able to focus sole on one team.