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Streaks, Dragons Ready To Run

Brian Gjurgevich/Highlands Today

Sebring junior Connor Bauer has his sights set on running a strong race in Thursday's Class 2A-District 5 cross country meet in Tampa.

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By MARK PINSON Highlands Today

Published: November 5, 2008

SEBRING - After a successful regular season, the Lake Placid and Sebring cross country teams are brimming with confidence heading into this week's district meets.

The Sebring boys and girls compete at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the Class 2A-District 5 meet at Lake Park in Tampa, and Blue Streak coach Jeff Shoemaker thinks both of his squads are primed for a good day.

"We've been training hard the last week and except for Donavon White, who is out with an injury, we're fairly healthy," said Shoemaker. "We had a solid meet at Hardee last week and the kids are in great shape.

"Most of these boys ran last year at districts and the experience we gained should really come into play this time around."

Junior Connor Bauer, who ran in the state meet last year, paces the Blue Streaks, while Alex Kennedy, David Ontermaa, Michael Polatty, Taylor Martin, Jimmy Polatty and freshman Colton Dillon round out the team.

With only the top six teams and top 15 individuals advancing to next week's regionals, the Blue Streaks have their work cut out for them in a very competitive district that includes Bartow, Frostproof and state power Tampa Jesuit.

"The boys team just missed qualifying last year, and we're a stronger group this year," Shoemaker said. "Connor wants to run well, but he's going to pace himself to make sure he has plenty of energy left for regionals.

"We know we're going to have to run well and the boys are looking forward to the challenge."

The Sebring girls, who qualified sixth at last year's district meet, are led by seniors Maxine Copley and Heather McIntyre, while Lisa Ontermaa, Amanda Kennedy, Caitlyn Moulds, Melissa Luke and freshman Emily Smith round out the squad.

"The girls have been strong all season," the Blue Streak coach said. "Maxine and Heather are our leaders and if we run our race, we should be in good shape."

The 5k course at Lake Park is a grass course and is one the Sebring teams are comfortable running.

"Lake Park is a flat, grass course with a few narrow turns," Shoemaker said. "It suits our runners pretty well and they're comfortable competing on it.

"We've been working toward the district meet all season and I think we'll do fine."

The Lake Placid boys and girls compete in the Class 2A-District 6 meet at 9:30 a.m. Friday at Estero High in Fort Myers.

The Green Dragon girls don't have enough runners to have a team score, but Erica Resendiz, Thalia Espinoza and Jessica Landers have the talent to finish in the top 15 individually.

"We had two meets last week and Erica won them both," said LP coach Dennis Berard. "She's been strong all season and Thalia and Jessica have really improved.

"It's unfortunate we don't have enough girls to post a team score, but I think all three girls have the ability to make it to regionals if they stay focused and run their race."

The Green Dragon boys also don't have enough runners to have a team score, but Vicente Ramos, Emmanuel Pinillos, Julian Martinez and Brandon Orozco are hoping to make the top 15.

"Vicente has been training hard and is in great shape," said LP coach Scott Morgan. "He has the best chance to move on, but Emmanuel, Julian and Brandon could surprise some people if they have good days."

Lake Placid also has the daunting task of competing on an unfamiliar course.

"We haven't seen this course before," said Morgan. "We just have to stay within ourselves and not get overwhelmed with all of the activity.

"We've had a successful season and I know the kids are going to give their best efforts."

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

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