While we are not positive on exactly what edition of this race we are running this weekend there are a couple of facts that we are certain. Deland has hosted numerous cross country meets over the years including invitationals, conference, district, regional and the 1977 FHSAA State Championship. In 1977 the Deland Invitational included two of the very best runners in the state, Kenny Clark of Rockledge (3A), and Herbie Wills of Leon (4A). Coach Lowenstein who at the time was a runner for his very same Deland Bulldogs vividly remembers the initial clash of the two super harriers. “They ran literally side by side for 2 ½ miles until going out of a gate. Kenny made a move and Herbie could not get back to him. They finished 14:07, and 14:11 for the three mile course in what was their only head to head competition of the year”.
In 1996 Coach Lowenstein brought the Deland Invitational to its new home at the Sperling Sports Complex nestled in the pin oaks and surrounding a sports facility consisting of several baseball diamonds and bleacher areas. The team camps are usually set up on the main walkway under the oaks entering the facility which provide a nice natural shade, and there is always something or someone flying around as Skydive Deland is right next door. From a historical standpoint in the last ten years the winners of this race who have graduated have gone on to sign with a collegiate team in every year. In the last five years this meet has boasted only two repeat winners and both were 2007-08 with Chris Rudloff of Mainland, and Amanda Perkins of Spruce Creek. The course records for the girls is held by Jennifer Barringer Simpson (17:39) in 2003, and the boys course record is held by Eduardo Garcia of Mandarin (15:39). Both records were later in the year at the regional championships and should be safe, but you never know what can happen when a champions heart and mind come together at the right time.
On the ladies side the 2012 edition brings the opportunity for another to join the list of repeat champions when Bryce Seymour of Hagerty looks to become the first to repeat as champion, but with two different teams. Bryce is coming off last week’s 18:40 win at the Astronaut Invitational, and on paper looks to be the commanding front runner for this week’s competition. Other ladies to watch out for include Autumn Bartlett of University (20:16 SB), Kerstin Sosa (Hagerty 20:19 SB), Breanna Johnson (Hagerty 20:21 SB) and Alycia Loriz (Spruce Creek 20:25 SB). For the ladies team title look for Hagerty to be the heavy favorite, but Lake Brantley and Spruce Creek could mount a challenge if they are healthy and all their runners step up to the line.
On the boy’s side look for a repeat battle between hometown boy Keneth Pineiro of Deland, and Justin Schanze of Oviedo. Pinerio took the meet last weekend at Astronaut in 16:34 and has the home field advantage, but Schanze has the faster time this year at 16:25. Other boys to watch out for include Anthony O’Neill (University Orlando-17:05 SB), CJ Westfall (Orange City University 17:08 SB), and Chase Morgan (Ocoee 17:28 SB). The boys team championship looks to be going to Oviedo, but don’t count out Lyman and defending champion Spruce Creek which comes in trying to get back on track. On a side note in speaking with Coach Lowenstein he indicated that the grounds are 98% dry, so barring another temper tantrum from Mother Nature this meet could provide some very nice early season fireworks.
The schedule of events is as follows:
Girls Varsity – 8:00 AM
Boys Varsity- 8:40 AM
Girls JV- 9:15 AM
Boys JV-10:00 AM
Awards 10:45 AM
There is a charge for parking of $5.00, and please be considerate when parking along the back of the parking lot as there have been many who accidently parked on what they did not realize was the course.
More Coverage
- 2012 Deland Invitational Meet Page
- Girls Virtual Meet (Based on 2011 Season Bests)
- Boys Virtual Meet (Based on 2011 Season Bests)