(Photos by Jeff Adams/Barbara Moore)
BOYS WINNER: Max del Monte - Senior @ Chamberlain
Max del Monte didn't put the exclamation point on his cross country career, but did finish on a positive note. The senior, who is homeschooled, but runs for Chamberlain, finished as the 3A runner-up and placed 19th at Foot Locker South crossing the line in 15:22. Last year, del Monte finished 33rd in 15:28. Coach Bill Strack is hoping they can ride the momentum into track season.
"It was decent, but not what we had hoped for when we ran this summer and trained. He won our district meet, and finished number two in the state. You can't argue with that. That's quite a great accomplishment. We were hoping for a little better, but we're looking forward to a real successful track season now."
Strack has had the pleasure of coaching del Monte for the past four seasons. When del Monte came to run for him his freshman year he was already putting up impressive times like a 16:45 season best. Strack is going to remember his strong work ethic and desire to be the best.
"He's a real student of the game. He does a lot of research and a lot of reading. He plans well and is a coach's' runner. He does what is asked of him and he really goes out there and tries to do his best each and every time. He's a real solid athlete and a real determined athlete."
On the track, like the cross country course, del Monte is capable of putting up big numbers. His junior year he broke out with a 4:12 for 1600 meters and around 9:25 for 3200 meters. This year Coach Strack hopes to get those down to around 4:10 and 9:10. In the past they focused on the 1600, but this year plan to be balanced in both. Strack has seen several standout athletes in his time as a coach including Florida Gator standout Mark Parrish, who he says del Monte resembles.
"I think Max's potential is going to continue to rise. He's still got a lot of room to improve. I think with his work ethic and determination he can do anything he wants to when he gets in the college ranks. We had a runner a couple of years ago Mark Parrish and I think Max is a lot like him. He has tremendous upside and we're just scratching the surface. When he hits the college ranks he is going to be bigger and stronger. I think he will be great at the college level."
Max's Athlete Profile
GIRLS WINNER: Emily Headley - Freshman @ Olympia
Emily Headley is making noise on the cross county scene and she's only a freshman. The Olympia standout finished second at the 4A state meet in 18:25.39. That was against Florida's top runners so what does she do for an encore? How about a 15 second personal best against the top runners at the Foot Locker South regional. Coach Stacey Williams says the ability to rest a little and taper down was a key to Headley's strong performance.
"We continued to taper a little and make sure she had fresh legs. I think she performed the way she did because she fully rested and I think she was ready for that race more than the state race. Obviously it was a tough field with only three runners advancing from Florida to the national meet. To come in as the ninth runner from Florida is impressive. I know she was happy to pull her personal best down as well."
Her time of 18:10 is just the beginning for Headley. As the year improved so did her times and with three more years left at Olympia that is good news for Williams. It is an experience coach says she is looking forward to.
"I'm excited about having her for three more years let me tell you. I think we were able to see what she could do this year. She got in the miles this summer which was helpful. I know next summer we are going to train and push her harder and see if we can get her in the 17's. I know that will be her goal. She's very motivating and a hard working kid."
At Olympia the boys and the girls train together. It's an advantage for Headley who is in the mix on some workouts with the varsity level guys. It gives her a chance for tougher competition and better preparation for what's to come after high school. Williams believes that even though she has three more years, when all is said and done, the freshman has what it takes to get to the next level.
"She's a standout at a young age and she has the capability to be a strong runner and strong collegiate runner which is her goal. She realizes what it takes to be in for the long haul."
Emily's Athlete Profile