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Highlands Today

Bauer Moves On To State

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: November 10, 2007

ESTERO –– Despite having to compete in the Class 2A-Region 3 cross-country meet while the sun was rising early Friday morning, Sebring's Connor Bauer qualified for next Saturday's state meet in Dade City.

Bauer, a fleet-footed sophomore, managed to run the hilly Park Community course in a time of 17 minutes, 13 seconds, which was good for ninth place in a very competitive regional that included numerous private schools.

"That's a very good showing for Connor," said Blue Streak coach Jeff Shoemaker. "It was a good course, but it was hilly and the corners were very tight, which didn't favor Connor's upright style of running.
"I'm really pleased with his effort, because he stayed focused, had a strong last half-mile and made up a lot of ground on the leaders."

The regional meet featured 12 teams, with the top six teams and top 15 individuals qualifying for next Saturday's state meet in Dade City.

"We thought that Connor would have a good shot at making it to state this year," Shoemaker said. "He worked hard, improved his times as the season progressed and now he's going to compete against the best runners in the state.

"The experience at state is only going to make him better."

The Sebring girls team, which started their race at 7:30 a.m., finished 11th, and was paced by junior Heather McIntyre's time of 22:38.

Senior Sydney Ruble ran a 23:40, junior Maxine Copley had a 24:27, junior Amanda Kennedy crossed the finish line in 25:41 and Lisa Ontermaa came in at 26:01.

"The girls gave an excellent effort, especially considering how early they had to compete," Shoemaker said. "They ate properly, had a good warm-up and were prepared to run.
"I'm proud of all of the kids, because this is a very tough regional and they gave it all they had and that's all I could ask."

The top 10 individuals will earn medals at the state meet, which will be held at Little Everglades Ranch.
That's a course that sets up well for Bauer, according to Shoemaker.

"It's a real nice course and it's a little flatter and wider in the turns," the veteran Blue Streak coach said. "If he doesn't get awestruck because it's the state finals, and I don't think he will, he should do fine."

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