Zita, Rolf Take Elite Crowns

Chiles HS senior Zita Magloire (right) makes her move with 400 to go past runner-up Cocoa Beach junior Elly Kabbord (left). photo by Jason Byrne

TAMPA--There are not many tougher places to be this year than to be a state title hopeful in the Florida Girls 2A classification. Perhaps the four best female runners Florida has to offer this year all come from this classification, and certainly four of the top six. Two of those 2A-elite Elly Kabboard (Cocoa Beach) and Zita Magloire (Chiles) dueled today at Leto's Prestate meet at Ed Radice Park.

Kabbord would lead the race for the first 2½ mile, but at about that point you could see a little spring in Magloire's step and it was growing apparently obvious that her mouth was watering as she waited for her opportunity. And then it came. With about 400 meters to go on a downgrade of a shaded hill, Zita made her move. Kabbord hung on strong to finish the tough course with a time of 17:59.84, but Magloire showed her killer speed and got some separation finishing hard in 17:56.63.

More details, race articles, and many many photos from this morning's race coming.

Full Meet Results