Kevin Beck

Connor Revord Will Trade Spikes for Pads This Fall Kevin Beck May 25, 2008

In really unbelievable news, 2A cross country championship favorite Connor Revord will be foregoing the trails of cross country in favor of attempting to put his athleticism to use for Tampa Jesuit's football squad. Rare enough for an athlete to suddenly switch sports and take up the gridiron as a senior, but for perhaps the best returning distance runner in the state to do so?!? Crazy talk! But that's exactly what this 9:17 3200m runner says he's going to do. Read on to see what Connor has to say about his decision... (subscribers only)

Lourdes of Discipline Kevin Beck Aug 25, 2005

Our Lady of Lourdes Academy coach talks about his foundation of a cross country dynasty. The team has won five of the last seven FHSAA cross-country championships in its class.

Game Hensleys High in 2A Pecking Order Kevin Beck Aug 10, 2005

For the fifth year in a row a pair of kids named Hensley enter the cross country season as Lincoln Park Academy\'s top two runners. After promising track seasons for each, the fall outlook is looking bright for the pair and for LPA.

Areson Begins Senior Campaign as Solo Act Kevin Beck Aug 3, 2005

Jackie Areson has been one of the very best Florida prep distance runners of this decade, but her achievements have often been partially obscured by the other half of PJP\'s extrordinary one-two punch, Wake Forest University-bound Nicole Schappert. For her senior season, Jackie steps on to the turf wearing new colors and as a solo act sure to be the one casting shadows.

Anderson signs with Bears Kevin Beck May 18, 2005

R.J. Anderson, the 2A state 400-meter champion and honor-roll Key West High School student, has signed a national letter of intent to compete on the track and field team at Baylor University in Waco.

Pete Pfitzinger Kevin Beck Feb 23, 2005

Two-time Olympic Marathoner Pete Pfitzinger shares his thoughts regarding pre-season and off-season training for high-school distance runners.

1A CC Champ Mercer Readying for Track Kevin Beck Jan 18, 2005

In November, Hailey Mercer clocked a 42-second PR for her first state title, an 18:08--fifth fastest in the state. The previous year she lost her entire outdoor season in 2004 with a stress fracture. Based on her recent performances on relatively low-key training, Florida track fans can expect a marvelous second half to Mercer

Making Your Running a Negative Experience Kevin Beck Dec 22, 2004

Few runners question the wisdom of running a race at an even pace or even \"negative splitting.\" Not only are negative splits a recipe for faster times, but they lessen post-race fatigue, boost confidence, and engender a more pleasurable race experience overall

Harbor Not Yet At Pinnacle Kevin Beck Nov 4, 2004

It\'s unusual for already established stars to enjoy eye-opening breakthroughs. But Flagler Palm Coast High School junior Justin Harbor did just that when he recently ducked under 9:00 for 3200 meters in a meet in which he defeated former FPC star Sam Vasquez and Florida Southern College standout Tyrone Bell.

Soft-Spoken Kruzel is Consistent South Florida Force Kevin Beck Nov 1, 2004

Over the past four years, Cooper City\'s Jacy Kruzel has established herself as one of the most consistent exemplars of distance-running power in South Florida. A tantalizing aspect of this consistency has been the perennial presence of a 4A cross-country rival -- friendly nemeses that have often kept Kruzel from the winner\'s circle at championship meets at which the soft-spoken senior has otherwise excelled.

Criscione\'s State Championship Dream Very Much Alive Kevin Beck Oct 26, 2004

Interlachen\'s Jeremey Criscione has made waves this year, battling back and forth all season against FPC\'s Justin Harbor. Entering the state series Criscione is among the favorites for the 2A crown, but he will have his hands full with Andy Biladeau, Bryan Sharkey, Chris Mullaney, and others also after the title.

Barringer Ready Returns to Action This Weekend Kevin Beck Oct 17, 2004

Jenny Barringer has been taking it slowly coming back from summer jaw surgery, but also has been quite busy bouncing around the country visiting potential colleges. Our reporter Kevin Beck (finally) was able to get Jenny to stay in one place long enough to provide this feature story!

Rothman Spanish River, Seek to Overcome Adversity Kevin Beck Sep 13, 2004

Spanish River coach Rick Rothman is one of the winningest girls coaches of all time in Florida. Last year, the Sharks overcame losses to many of their top runners to win another state championship. Rothman hopes the team can this year pull out another proverbial rabbit from the hat.

Hagberg set to rewrite Owls Kevin Beck Aug 31, 2004

When Raynell Hagberg broke the Florida Atlantic University record in the 800m with a 2:09.91 at Gator Invitational in April, it was hardly a shock: the previous spring she had eclipsed the mark a half-dozen times already.