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Resendiz Sets The Pace

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

Lake Placid junior Erica Resendiz was the dominant female runner in the Heartland during the cross country season.

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: January 2, 2008

LAKE PLACID –– It may have been her first year of running cross country, but Erica Resendiz made quite an impression.

The Lake Placid junior, who has an effortless style that belies how fast she is, had five first-place finishes during the season, including a school-record time of 21 minutes, 28 seconds in a meet at LaBelle.

Resendiz, who is also an outstanding player on the Green Dragon soccer team, showed great consistency in her first year of varsity competition.

"Erica is a natural runner," said Lake Placid cross country coach Dennis Berard. "She is very competitive and has the ability to run fast. You can't coach that, and she pushed herself to lower her times even though cross country isn't her favorite sport."

For her accomplishments and ability, Resendiz has been selected Highlands Today's 2007 All–Heartland Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.

"I love to run and I like the fact I'm competing against the clock," the 16-year-old Resendiz said. "We're a team, but you're accountable for your own time.

"I enjoyed competing this year and setting the school record, and I look forward to trying to lower that mark next season."

The Team

u Heather McIntyre, junior, Sebring –– McIntyre was the most improved runner on the Blue Streak squad that qualified for regionals and had a season-best time of 21:49.

"Heather worked very hard to lower her times and was a team leader," said Sebring coach Jeff Shoemaker. "She lowered her time by three minutes and is a pleasure to coach."

u Jessica Ewing, senior, Walker Memorial —Ewing has been a strong performer since 2001 for the Eagles and had a best time of 21:22.

"Jessica loves to run and dedicated herself to the sport," said Walker Memorial coach John Bedell. "She was a team leader and was a great example for the other kids to follow."

u Maxine Copley, junior, Sebring –– Copley had quite an impact on the cross-country scene in her first year of varsity competition and had a best time of 23:34.

"Maxine is very strong and used that to her advantage," said Shoemaker. "She worked hard to become a more consistent runner and should be a force next year."

u Sydney Ruble, senior, Sebring –– Ruble was a captain and improved as the season progressed with a best time of 23:37.

"Sydney was a team leader and has been a strong performer for us for the last several years," Shoemaker said.

u Cassidy Clayton, junior, Avon Park –– Clayton battled shin splints the entire season and still had a best time of 23:35 for the Red Devils.

"Cassidy was a hard worker and if it wasn't for the shin splints, she would have had a much lower time," said Avon Park coach Justin Martin. "She has a lot of ability and if she stays healthy, will be a force for us next year."

u Kay Fort, sophomore, Lake Placid –– Fort, who was the 2006 Girls Runner of the Year, had a best time of 24:22.

"Kay always gave her best effort," said Berard. "She is a hard worker and a team player."

u Thalia Espinosa, freshman, Lake Placid –– Espinosa was one of the most consistent runners for the Green Dragons and had a best time of 24:22.

"Thalia is very competitive and really developed over the course of the season," Berard said. "She had her best time of the season at the district meet and has a bright future ahead of her."

u Amanda Kennedy, sophomore, Sebring — Kennedy won the coaches award this year and had a best time of 25:04.

"Amanda is a hard worker and dedicated herself to lowering her times," Shoemaker said.

u Lisa Ontermaa, freshman, Sebring –– Ontermaa is a gifted runner who improved her time by more than four minutes from the beginning of the season and had a best time of 25:59.

"Lisa is very strong and has a lot of ability," said Shoemaker. "She is a natural runner and has a bright future."

u Brandi Landers, sophomore, Lake Placid –– Landers improved as the season progressed and had a best time of 26:40.

"Brandi loves to run and really worked hard to lower her times," said Berard.

u Jessica Landers, sophomore, Lake Placid –– Landers is very competitive and ran a best time of 26:49.

"Jessica loves to compete and improved her times during the season," Berard said.

u Caitlyn Moulds, sophomore, Walker Memorial –– Moulds was the top newcomer of the year for the Eagles and had a best time of 25:22.

"Caitlyn improved quickly and had an outstanding season," said Bedell.

u Aleshia Moore, sophomore, Sebring –– Moore ran a best time of 26:00 in her first year of varsity competition.

"Aleshia is a very hard worker and should be a real contributor next year," Shoemaker said.

Honorable Mention

u Adriana Ramirez, sophomore, Avon Park –– Ramirez, who is also a cheerleader for the Red Devils, had a best time of 28:56.

"Adriana is a talented athlete and she pushed herself to lower her times," said Martin.

u Rebecca Helms, junior, Avon Park — Helms improved dramatically during her first season of varsity competition and had a best time of 29:44.

"Rebecca really came on about halfway through the season," Martin said. "She has a lot of potential if she sticks with it and trains hard."

Coach Of The Year

For guiding his team to a successful season, which included a sixth-place finish at the district meet and qualifying for the regional competition, Sebring's Jeff Shoemaker has been selected as Highlands Today's 2007 All-Heartland Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year.

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