Armando Delvalle

Armando "AJ" del Valle of Christopher Columbus High School is one of the top distance runners in the nation and the Miami native will join the FSU track & field and cross country programs next year.

Hey, it's the off-season. So while we kill time and get ready to kick off our track & field coverage next week, let's look back at cross country season one last time! So here are the award winners for the 2010 season. Highest emphasis was placed on the end of the year performances; however, also factored in were consistency throughout the year and the contribution the athlete made to their team. I'm sure there will be some good arguments for others who should have made third team... so go ahead, speak up for your favs!

Our team is on site in Portland for tomorrow's race.  Brandon Miles caught up with Armando del Valle out there on Friday and they talk about the race tomorrow, which by most accounts is going to be the top boys field of the two national meets.  Armando also talks about being there solo this year.

 With a couple of state titles in track and being ranked one of the top cross country runners in the nation, you’d think Armando Del Valle would get used to winning.  The Miami Columbus senior tends to surprise even himself from time to time. One of those, a PR set at the Great American Cross Country Festival in North Carolina.  And the rumors are true, he is headed to FSU next year.

This past Friday at Larry & Penny Thompson Park in Miami, two young faces that are making names for themselves in the South Florida running community came together for a little Question & Answer session. That day there were three consecutive District Championship going on at the park (3A-D8, 4A-D7 and 4A-D8) and these guys sought out some of the winning individuals and coaches for a quick interview. This article tags off of The 10-Day Recap of Miami XC article that has the results of those meets. So without further ado, here's what they came up with...

Jason has been looking for more South Florida XC coverage this season and due to the lack of interest I decided I would try to put a few articles together for everyone. And seeing as how I was without a computer last week I figured I would put together a 10-Day Recap of what’s been going on with cross country here in Miami-Dade County. (I really wanted to put together a nice write up of the GMAC Championship last week, so I’ll start off with that and lead into the various district championships from this past week).   Now without further delay, here’s what’s been happening down south…

New harriers make rank, while the top of the guys rankings is as tight as ever!  Here comes the post-season!

A few changes and a few editions, but look for the action to heat up in the coming weeks!

Armando Del Valle over took Jimmy Clark over the last mile of the Boys Elite race, while Kathryn Fluehr cruised to another Prestate victory.  Team wise, the Estero girls and Columbus boys won the Elite division trophies.  

 It was a good day for Florida at Great American in North Carolina.  Trinity Prep boys were crowned champions of the Boys Race of Champions in dominating fashion with their top 5 in the top 35.  Miami Columbus, lead by the overall victory Armando del Valle in 15:00.20, was the third placed team.  Holy Trinity girls made a statement with the third place finish, behind the Julie Wollrath fourth place finish (17:47).

 

Columbus made the trek to freezing Portland, Oregon and competed at NXN today.  It was not the performance they were hoping for, but we are sure proud of our lone qualifying team from Florida!  Here is an interview by Chris Nickinson of RunnerSpace with the team.  On a high note, Armando Del Valle had a great day and finished in 14th place.

Kathryn and Erika Fluehr go 1-2 yet again with times of 17:16 and 17:44 in the Elite Girls race.  Jana Stolting has the third fastest girls time on the day in 17:51 out of the small school race.  The highly anticipated battle in the boys race saw a great Jimmy Clark and Matt Mizereck battle it out.  Mizereck answered Clark's strong move and wins 15:20 to 15:23 up the final long incline.  Team-wise Chiles girls were well in front of Winter Park and Dr. Phillips once again beat out Columbus (by just 2 points) to prove they are top of the heap in the state.

Armando Del Valle of Columbus (16:19) and Natalie Concepcion of Ferguson (20:00) won the individual Conference Championships at GMAC today. Both also lead their respective teams to victory. Andrew Charles was there to bring you on-site coverage for flrunners.com, check out his great photos (340 in all). Read the Miami Herald article here. Photo Album | Meet Results

This is going to be a fun year to watch in the 4A! Can Melbourne fight off the depth of Columbus? Will Winter Park pull of another successful reload or will Mandarin or Bartram Trail take what is oft called the "Region of Death"? Can Sarasota surprise Melbourne in Region 2? Can anyone catch Park Vista in Region 3? Will Coach Raposo be with or without the 'stache in Region 4? Only time will tell, but get a first look here!