GIRLS WINNER: Darroneshia Lott – Senior @ Pine Forest
Darroneshia Lott was roaming the hallways at Pine Forest High School her freshman year when Coach Paul Bryan introduced her to the sport of running. Bryan, along with Lott’s mother convinced her to give it a try. He says at first they were unsure of her strengths and what events to put her in.
“It took us a month to say she is a true 800 runner. She didn’t come out for cross country the summer of her sophomore year. She was mainly doing that to stay in shape for track but she ended up enjoying it. She is more of a track person though because she has that natural 800 speed.”
Lott’s speed was on display at the FSU Relays. The senior ran on the school’s winning 4x800 meter relay and then won an individual title in the 800, and finished second in the 1600. Her 800 time of 2:14.26 is the best in Florida for 2011 and her 4:58.25 is a personal best for Lott and second fastest in the state so far this year. Coach Bryan says that performance would rank among the best he’s seen from her at a regular season meet.
“This would be the best one other than state because the level of competition that was there. It was an outstanding performance. We were hoping she would achieve a list of goals we had set for her and she exceeded all of them, under 2:15, under 5:05, and in the 4x8 we wanted to take it under a 2:30 split if we could. It wasn’t a matter of winning it was a matter of hitting that time and it says something about her that even though she was ahead she kept pushing. I think she ran a 2:14 split on that 4x8.”
Being in the Panhandle, the level of competition Lott receives pales in comparison to other regions of the state. The saying that competition brings out the best in an athlete holds true. Bryan says the driving force for going to the FSU Relays was to compete against some of Tallahassee’s and the state’s top distance runners like Chile’s Lily Williams. Not only did Lott perform, she did it with a sore throat, something coach and athlete might have under estimated the severity of.
“She’s been hampered by a sore throat and coughing the last couple weeks. I didn’t know she had been that bad but they took her to the hospital and she’s on five different meds. So, for her to be able to go out and do that in that condition she was in it shows the tenacity she has and the willingness to go out and do all that for her team.”
A team state championship is one of the many goals Coach Bryan has in mind for 2011. For Lott specifically he is eyeing the 800 title and a state record time. The only thing standing in the way could be the amount of rest she gets between the other events.
“We would like to take that thing under 2:10. I believe the state record is a 2:09 and that is one thing she would like to accomplish before she leaves. It’s tough running her in the 1600 because there are only 38 minutes that separates the 1600 and 800. It’s an attainable goal if she stays healthy. We’re going to go after it.”
The energy level shouldn’t be a problem for Lott, who Bryan describes as having “fountains of energy.” He says after a recent meet which she ran the 1600, 800, and 4x8, Lott was hanging out by the concession stand playing handball.
“She has to take care of herself. She’s matured as a runner and now she knows she has to relax. She’s always walking 1,000 miles an hour, always laughing, always happy. She is one of those kids who have boundless energy. For her to run the 16 and the 8 and in the times she does is just God given ability.”
BOYS WINNER: Justin Osking – Senior @ John Carroll
In 2009, Justin Osking took home the 2A state title in the discus and in 2010 it was the shot put. For his senior season, the John Carroll star hopes to get gold in both throws.
Last year in the discus Osking fouled out in the district round, ending his quest for a state championship. His coach, Derek Gibson, says the senior is more focused than he has been in years past.
“I guess he’s settled down more over the last two years. For some reason he was trying to shoot for 200 feet. We talked to him and told him to let it come natural. He’s improving his technique and just throwing hard.”
At the St. Lucie County Championships, the senior came closer to that 200 mark launching the disc a personal best 187-9, the third best throw in the US in 2011. He also won the shot put with a throw of 54-8, which ranks him fourth in Florida.
Gibson believes Osking’s strength is in his spin. He says being one of the only athletes on the Treasure Coast to do a complete spin while the others are doing a half spin and turn has really helped the senior become a great thrower. Osking’s 6’3 250 pound frame combined with his natural athletic ability help him in the strength department as well. Gibson adds that the power and explosiveness Osking possesses could be enough to beat opponents alone.
“I tell him sometimes to just go out and punch because he can punch it around 150 feet. If he does that and gets out in first place and then starts his spin and goes for it I think it will help him remain calm. I’ve seen it before too if he fouls one or two times he gets frustrated with himself.”
Another weight lifted off Osking’s back is his college decision. The senior announced he will be staying in state to throw for the University of South Florida. Gibson says that with all the pressure off of him, he should be poised for a double come the state meet.
“I know he wants to get two. Part of it I think was thinking about schools and scholarships but now that he has signed he’s been relaxed and everything has been going well for him. He has no pressure on him. He plans to win the discus and shot in state and I don’t see why he can’t do that.”