BOYS WINNER: Carlos Miranda - Senior @ Palmetto Ridge
Palmetto Ridge junior Carlos Miranda placed third at last year's Cross Country Finals and a successful track and field season was on the brink for 2012. That was until Miranda got injured at the beginning of the season and wasn't quite the same from then on. Coach Kim Butts says it was really hard for Miranda last spring because a lot of work was put to waste when he got hurt.
"It took basically all spring for Carlos to rehab and start trying to get back in shape. He did run a few meets late in the season, but just couldn't come all the way back. As far as where is he now? He is 100 percent and loving the workouts. He is a guy that just really loves to run. He is feeling real good about where he is right now."
Where Miranda is at is on top of 3A and with the fastest time statewide for 2012. The senior has run in three races and won all three. Further evidence that Miranda is 100 percent ready, how about a personal best and state leading time of 15:07.90 to win the prestigious flrunners Race of Champions. In winning, Miranda beat out Avery Lopez and his Belen teammates, the dynamic duos of Tyler Bennett and Ace Brown of Ft. Myers, the Niceville pair of Nick Morken and Thomas Howell, just to name a few. It was a 3A state meet preview so to speak. Last year, he finished third in that race nearly ten seconds slower. Coach Butts realizes posting a 3-0 record in three races is nice, but it's not the most important.
"The big prize is at the end of the year. He stays focused because he wants to reach that prize. His training has been absolutely outstanding. Every work out for him is a challenge. He attacks each practice with enthusiasm and a real tough work ethic. He is progressing very nicely. The reason he runs so well is that his work ethic is unbelievable. He loves to run and never misses a workout."
Most of the state's top talent will test their hand on the state meet course in Tallahassee at this weekend's FSU Invitational/Pre-State. Miranda will not be one of them. In fact he will be on a college visit to one of the Seminoles rivals. Coach Butts says Miranda will likely visit FSU in the coming weeks and adds that no matter what school gets him they will be getting a gem.
"Whoever gets him is getting an unbelievable runner who hasn't even come close to reaching his full potential. What they are also getting is a super young man."
Carlos' Athlete Profile
GIRLS WINNER: Emily Edwards - Junior @ Fort Myers
Emily Edwards spent her sophomore year at Fort Myers after coming over from Canterbury. She had her struggles in 2011 as she got accustomed to being a "Greenie". Edwards had to get used to new types of training, a new school, and a new coaching philosophy. Coach Kelly Heinzman-Britton says the season might not have gone how everyone planned, but there were some positives to draw from last year.
"She struggled competitively last season competitively; however, excelled in forming new bonds with teammates. Emily learned a lot about racing and what it was like to be on a team in 3A. A number of things occurred the summer before last season. She got taller, her iron was low, and she was new to the training."
Her training is now clicking and she is responding much better. At Canterbury she trained all alone, but at Fort Myers had girls like Courtney Russo and Rachel Petrik to train with. Now she is leading the Green Wave as a junior. Through five meets she has three wins and two top four showings.
Edwards recently won the flrunners.com Invitational Race of Champions. After the race, she said it was the biggest win of her high school career. It was a new personal best and state leading time of 17:43.80 against some of the best runners the state has to offer. Coach Heinzman-Britton says every race is unique and the runner must adapt to any situation that may occur. She adds that Edwards strategy was to be in the race when the front runners took charge.
The junior was in the hunt most of the race hanging with the top pack. However, as the race neared its end Edwards was trailing Nikita Shah of Wiregrass. She kicked it into high gear and passed Shah beating her by four and a half seconds. Overall Coach Heinzman-Britton was very pleased with her star pupil.
" I was excited for her to accomplish this. She is a hard worker that struggled for a whole year and NEVER gave up, (when others did). The win is only one step in a building of many floors. I want her to learn something from each race so that by the time she is a senior she can become the best she can be."
Emily's Athlete Profile