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LP'S RESENDIZ SETS THE PACE FOR ALL-HEARTLAND GIRLS XC

Jasmina Meyer/Highlands Today

Lake Placid's Erica Resendiz qualified for the Class 2A regional meet to cap a stellar senior campaign and was selected for the second consecutive year as the Highlands Today All-Heartland Girls Runner of the Year.

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: December 27, 2008

LAKE PLACID - After being selected the Highlands Today All-Heartland girls cross country runner of the year in 2007, Lake Placid's Erica Resendiz didn't rest on her laurels.

The Green Dragon senior, in only her second year of cross country competition, had four first-place finishes during the regular season, including a personal-best time of 21 minutes, 24 seconds, and she finished seventh at districts with a time of 22 minutes over the five-kilometer course.

Resendiz, who is also a standout soccer player, capped her stellar high school career by finishing 23rd out of 85 runners at the Class 2A regional competition in Estero with a time of 22:28.

"I'm really proud of Erica because she ran her race against the best runners in the state," said veteran Lake Placid coach Dennis Berard. "She only ran cross country for two years, but she was a delight to coach and made the most of her ability."

For her accomplishments and ability, Resendiz has been selected Highlands Today's 2008 All-Heartland Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.

"I love to run and I like the fact that I'm competing against the clock," said Resendiz. "I pushed myself to lower my times and I'm satisfied that I did the best I could."

"Erica is a natural runner," said Berard. "She is very competitive and has an excellent work ethic.
"She is a natural athlete, was a team leader and she pushed herself to lower her times even though cross country isn't her favorite sport."

The Team
Thalia Espinoza, sophomore, Lake Placid Espinoza, in only her second year of varsity competition, was one of the Green Dragons most consistent runners.
She had a personal-best time of 23:23 and was consistent in her effort and scored valuable points for the team.
"Thalia is very competitive and really developed over the course of the season," said Berard. "She has worked hard to lower her times and has a bright future ahead of her in cross country."

Maxime Copley, senior, Sebring Copley, in only her second year of varsity competition, was a force for the Sebring girls squad.
Copley, who is a multi-sport athlete, was a co-captain and helped the Blue Streaks qualify as a team for regionals by running a 21:57 at the Class 2A district meet in Lake Park.
"Maxime is very strong and used that to her advantage," said Sebring coach Jeff Shoemaker. "She is a dedicated runner and worked very hard to become more consistent."

Heather McIntyre, senior, Sebring McIntyre, a co-captain, ran a 21:56 at districts and was a major factor in the success the Blue Streaks girls team enjoyed.
"Heather is a neat person and a talented runner," said Shoemaker. "She dedicated herself to becoming a better runner and she was a leader by example for the rest of the girls on the squad."

Caitlyn Moulds, junior, Sebring Moulds came on strong in her first year of running for the Blue Streaks. Moulds became a key contributor over the course of the season and had a best time of 23:16.
"Caitlyn was our most improved runner because she lowered her time by more than three minutes over the course of the season," Shoemaker said. "She has a lot of ability and should be a force next year for us."

Amanda Kennedy, junior, Sebring Kennedy, who is also a cheerleader, has competed in cross country for three years and had a personal-best time of 24:04.
"Amanda is a dedicated runner and managed to become a key part of the team even though she had to also fulfill her cheerleader duties," said Blue Streak co-coach Pat Cober.
"She is a pleasure to coach and has a bright future ahead of her."

Lisa Ontermaa, junior, Sebring Ontermaa was very consistent during the season and had a best time of 24:55.
"Lisa is very steady and was always doing her part to help the team," Shoemaker said. "She has been running for three years and is a valuable member of the team."

Emily Smith, freshman, Sebring In her first year of varsity competition, Smith managed to lower her time by more than five minutes and finished with a personal-best of 27:25.
"Emily learned a lot as the season progressed," said the Blue Streak coach. "She worked hard on her technique and has the talent to become a good runner."

Honorable Mention
Melissa Luke, senior, Sebring Luke is a natural athlete and had a personal-best time of 28:08.
"Melissa is very competitive and did all she could to lower her times," said Shoemaker. "She had a good work ethic and was a good example for the rest of the girls."

Haley Storicks, freshman, Sebring Storicks came on strong in her first year of varsity competition and had a best time of 28:17.
"Haley really improved over the course of the season," Shoemaker said. "She has a lot of ability and a great deal of potential."

Coach Of The Year
For providing guidance and leadership to a girls team that qualified for regionals with a sixth-place finish at district, Sebring's Pat Cober has been selected as Highlands Today's 2008 All-Heartland Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year.

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com

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