(Photos by John Calderon & Jeff Adams)
BOYS WINNER - Andrew Iglesias - Sophomore @ Pembroke Pines Charter
When Andrew Iglesias entered Pembroke Pines Charter School as a freshman he was mentioned with some of the states brightest up and coming runners like Niceville's Thomas Howell, Columbus' Kenny Castro, and Belen Jesuit's Michael Magoulas and Fabian Thomas. Iglesias had a rather quiet freshman year running in the 17 minute range and mid 16's to start 2011. Coach Joseph Hazera says the sophomore will continue to break out impressive times and is peaking at the right moment.
"He's coming out of nowhere to the general public, but those guys he came up with in AAU they know who he is. I thought he has been very impressive this year. Before the season we wanted to see how close we could get under sixteen minutes and how close to the top of the podium we could get. He's just a sophomore and he's way ahead of schedule."
Iglesias showed his skills at the Pre-State Invitational running in the elite race and posting a new personal best 15:39.79 and 10th place finish. He follow that up with a win at the BCAA Championship and his second sub 16 minute performance with a time of 15:52.90. Hazera says over the past year Iglesias has improved his training working every day in the summer and building an excellent base. One objective for the season was to have the sophomore run in more competitive races.
"As a freshman he only ran in big two invitationals. We put him in four big races in seven weeks and each week he got a little quicker. The goals we set for him he was ahead each week. We were hoping to stay healthy and work our way to the front and everything has worked out rather well so far."
The biggest meet of the year for Iglesias will be the 3A Cross Country Championships at Little Everglades Ranch. To make the top of the podium he will have to overtake several runners from Belen Jesuit including Foot Locker finalist Elliot Clemente. Hazera says his pupil is very mentally tough and that if it doesn't happen this year, a state championship is the goal when all is said and done.
"He's willing to do whatever it takes to get fast. He is that determined. That is his ultimate goal and he works hard enough to do it. When you have enough talent to see that goal that is where you want to be."
Andrew's Athlete Profile
GIRLS WINNER - Ivy Chastain - Junior @ Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach junior Ivy Chastain trains with the JV boys. A majority of them running in the 17 minute range provides Chastain with a perfect group of workout partners. She does her speed work as well as hill work with them. Coach Jeff Fields calls her fearless and says when she is in a big pack she is not afraid to do some pushing and positioning. That competitiveness have seen the junior make noise in the Panhandle and throughout the state.
"It really started three weeks ago at the Gulf Coast Stampede when she ran that 18:26 because that was her first milestone. That was head to head with some real good runners like Marcel. She is pushing out and really finishing strong."
The success surprised Chastain making her wonder how fast can she really go and wondering if she had peaked too soon. She went 17:53 at the Black Cat meet and ran a solid 18:12.58 at the Panhandle Championships. After those marks went down Fields began to think anything was possible and says the sky is the limit.
"I remember sitting with Jenny Barringer back in the day and she told me how she trained and that is how Ivy trains. I wondered if I'd ever have a girl that fast and Ivy is that girl. She's surpassed every goal we've had and now it's time to see how far she can take this team."
Comparing one to an Olympian and World Champion might be a stretch, but Field sees the potential in his tiny star. He has witnessed her blossom and continue to run fast. Her next big test will come in the postseason with districts, regionals, and the state meet right around the corner. Chiles graduates stars Lily Williams and Carly Thomas which could open the door for runners like Chastain.
"Next year I honestly believe she can contend with some of the top runners in the state providing we train smart and she stays injury free. We graduate some top runners in the region and that leaves Ivy. I think she'll challenge for a top spot in the state next year and I believe she will be one of the top girls to beat."