Jon Lanning didn’t take the traditional route to the world of high school running, but in 2 ½ short years, the Sarasota High senior has worn a path littered with success.
As a high school sophomore, Lanning distinguished himself during ROTC fitness competition team by regularly finishing first in area races comprised of running, sit-ups and other physical fitness tests.
“When it ended in February (of 2007), I went out for track,” said Lanning.
In what amounted to a one-year metamorphosis, Lanning blossomed into one of the state’s premier milers by the spring of ‘08, on the heels of a stunning seventh-place finish at the ‘07 4A state cross country championship in his first season of 5k competition.
Saturday he returns to Little Everglades Ranch with an eye on a top-three individual finish, if not better.
“I had aspirations to come back this season and place first, or top-three (at state),” said Lanning, who was inspired by his inaugural showing at LER last November. “That w...