Scouting Report: Plant Boys

The Plant boys cross country team had a great season in 2011 after finishing third at the 4A Cross Country Finals. This year the Panthers will look a little different after losing their top four runners and five of their top seven. Number one runner Thomas Christenberry who placed third at state is now running for Clemson while Curtis Foulsham, John Drawdy, Sam Powers, and John Montgomery have all graduated as well. The leadership role will now rest on senior Bryce Weaver and junior Carlos Andino. Weaver provided depth at the end of the rotation for Coach Mike Boza last year, and was the teams fifth finisher at state crossing the line in 64th place. He also holds the top returning times for the outdoor track season posting times of 9:56.72 for 3200 meters and 4:36.24 for 1600 meters. Andino also has state meet experience after finishing 129th at state. Those two will be flanked by a quarter of seniors Anatoly Samaha, Jason Mersereau, Lawson Jaffe, and transfer T.J. Lucas from Wellington. Those four will also provide veteran leadership for the Panthers.

Coach Boza knows how to build a strong program and has strong, competitive teams year in and year out. This year Plant should have no trouble in their region and should be a top ten team at state. According to the FACA Preseason Rankings Plant comes in as the sixth best team in 4A. Is this the team better than last years? I don't think so. The firepower isn't there up front, so a shot at Colonial or Columbus is not realistic, but third, fourth and fifth place could be a close battle with the Panthers hanging in there.

Coach Boza Says...

• Plant Team Page