(Photos by Jeff Adams)
BOYS WINNER: Bert Irigoyen - Senior @ Ransom Everglades
For Ransom Everglades star Bert Irigoyen his senior season wasn't about him it was about his team. Irigoyen won the 2A state championship as a junior, but wanted the rest of the squad to bask in the same glory he did. Coach Don Kappelman says on Saturday they achieved that goal.
"Early on he was focused on the team and not himself. I think he really tried to help his teammates step up and run better in districts, regionals and then the state meet. He went out and set a tone and set the pace so that great things could happen for himself and for us."
The game plan for Irigoyen coming into the race was to be assertive and smart in the beginning so that he could make things happen at the end. That's exactly what he did sticking with the pace for the first mile and then making his move.
"He went out to start the race and got himself in good position and at 1000 meters he put enough distance between himself and 2nd thru 4th place to establish that he was going to win. He needed to get out and help the other guys and establish where they needed to be and then go and do everything he needed to win another state championship."
He crossed the line in 15:57.00 to capture his second straight title. His performance combined with guidance for his teammates gave them the team trophy as well. Irigoyen won the 1600 meter championship during track season, two individual titles in cross country, and a team title. Ransom Everglades has had a history of great runners and great programs, but Coach Kappelman says Bert is up at the top with some of the best to ever come through.
"This is my 13th year coaching the high school cross country team and he is one of the most talented athletes and most accomplished individuals in our schools' history. We have Bill Convey who won three state championships individually and is really at the top at Ransom with his times and accomplishments in cross country and track and field, but there is no doubt Bert is the most talented athlete I've coached and the most talented athlete since Convey in the early 1980s."
Kappelman thinks highly of his senior standout as well as the rest of the Ransom team. He believes that Bert's confidence and ability to put in the hard work whether it be summer runs, building his base, or doing speed work when necessary, are the attributes that have made all of this possible for him. Irigoyen is applying early decision to Brown University meaning this could be the last race in the senior's career. Kappelman is going to remember a lot from Irigoyen's four years in the Ransom baby blue.
"I'm going to remember his individuality. He is strong willed and determined to accomplish whatever he wants. He is capable of being relaxed and joking with friends and then switching another gear when it comes to warming up and being focused when it comes time to race. He was one of the athletes this year I never felt I had to give a pep talk before a race because I knew he'd be ready to run and that's a great quality."
Bert's Athlete Profile
GIRLS WINNER: Bridget Blake - Junior @ Dr. Phillips
Dr. Phillips' star Bridget Blake continued her distance dominance. As a sophomore Blake won the 4A state championship in cross country and track titles in both the 1600 and 3200. In 2011, she picked up her fourth state title of her career repeating as cross country state champion. Coach Peter Blount was pleased with her performance because she ran her race and set out what she wanted to do.
"Really what we've talked about all season long with Bridget is to get out and get her into rhythm, establish a race pattern and try and control the race being out front. It works better when she has someone running with her and we can have her run a steady pace and extend pressure on the field the last 1000 meters."
There was no need for Blake to put pressure on the field this past weekend in Dade City. The sophomore jumped out to an early lead and never looked back cruising to a twenty second win in 18:05.62. Blount believes she is wise beyond her years and that maturity makes her a better runner.
"Her mindset is very mature and she is mature enough to take each race individually. She doesn't carry anything over from one race to another. She has the ability to focus on the present which is the mindset of a lot of elite runners in high school and beyond. She has the ability to block them out and move forward."
Moving forward Blake will compete at Foot Locker south against the regions' top talent. Their goal is to maintain her championship fitness and stamina at this point in the season and hopefully it's enough to make it to Foot Locker Nationals in San Diego. Blount has coached numerous state championship athletes during his time in Brevard County and throughout his career. He says Blake has the potential to be even greater at the next level and the best mental maturity of any runner he's seen at her age.
"I've coached some great runners like the Shivers at Satellite and several others. I started coaching cross country in the 80's and she shares the same mental ability to go at it a state championship meet and that's a quality I haven't seen. I think her better years will be beyond high school and as a coach that is what I intend for. She has the potential to run as fast any high school girl in Florida by the time is all and said I done. She has so much range it's scary. She has a range that is phenomenal from 800 meters to cross country and that is a testament to her ability and talent."
Bridget's Athlete Profile