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Streaks Ready To Run

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

The Sebring boys cross country team has plenty of depth and talent to be a force in a very competitive Class 2A-District 5.

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By MARK PINSON Highlands Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 16, 2008

SEBRING - With eight runners back from last year's squad, the Sebring boys cross country team has the talent and experience to make their mark in the postseason.

"We have a good nucleus of talented runners back from last year," said veteran Blue Streak coach Jeff Shoemaker. "We also have some newcomers on the team that should help with our depth.

"The boys have been working hard in practice and we're looking forward to the season."

Leading the pack for Sebring is Connor Bauer, who proved that experience isn't everything after qualifying for the Class 2A state meet last year as a sophomore.

Bauer, who finished 25th at the state meet in a time of 16 minutes, 52 seconds, battled some injuries in the spring, but the junior speedster is back and ready to pick up where he left off last season.

"It was important to me to qualify for state last year," said Bauer. "My goal is to qualify for state and finish in the top ten this year.

"Our team has a lot of experience and talent, and it's going to take a lot of work, but I think we can make a run at state."

Bauer, who was the Highlands Today Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year for the past two years, is also a team leader for the Blue Streaks.

"Connor is a natural runner and has really looked good in practice," said Shoemaker. "He is a dedicated athlete and combines that with an outstanding work ethic. "He is very coachable and always gives his best effort."

Senior David Ontermaa, who was selected to the All-Heartland team, is back for his final year and is coming off a strong season that saw him post a best time of 19:36.

"David is another hard worker," said Shoemaker. "He does everything we ask, is very coachable and has looked good in practice."

Senior Alex Kennedy, another member of last year's All-Heartland squad, is back and coming off a season that saw him post a personal-best time of 19:37.

"Alex is very strong and a real competitor," said the Blue Streak coach. "He has worked hard in practice and we're expecting big things from him this season."

Juniors Daniel Lee and Taylor Martin, who were both on the All-Heartland team, are back and looking to make an impact for the Blue Streaks this season.

"Daniel was our most improved runner last year," said Shoemaker. "He overcame some injuries last year, but he's healthy now and has looked good in practice.

"Taylor also had some injuries last year, but he's a tough competitor and we're expecting him to step up this season."

Jimmy and Michael Polatty have opened some eyes with their times in practice and the newcomers are still trying to figure out the nuances of running cross country.

"We have a good group of runners to build around," said Shoemaker. "They know what I expect and the new guys are falling in right behind them."

The Blue Streak girls, who qualified for regional's last year, have only six girls out for the team, which is being coached by Pat Cober.

"We don't have the numbers on the girls team that we've had in the past," Shoemaker said. "We're hoping some more girls come out, but we're going to have to compete with what we've got."

Sebring is led by seniors Heather McIntyre and Maxine Copley, who were both selected to last year's All-Heartland team.

"Heather has worked hard to lower her times and is a team leader," said the Blue Streak coach. "She is very coachable and always gives her best effort. "Maxine is very strong and uses that to her advantage.

"She has looked great in practice and should have an outstanding year."

Junior Amanda Kennedy lowered her times significantly last year and is being counted on to have an impact this season.

Sophomore Lisa Ontermaa is a gifted runner who uses her strength to her advantage.

"Amanda and Lisa gained a lot of experience last year," Shoemaker said. "They both love to compete and always give their best."

Junior Caitlyn Moulds, who ran for Walker Memorial Academy last year, is a welcome addition to the Blue Streak squad.

"Caitlyn improved a lot during the season last year," Shoemaker said. "She has a good work ethic and we're glad to have her on the team."

Haley Storicks is new to the team, but has plenty of time to contribute.

"We don't have a lot of depth, but we need five runners for a team score," said Shoemaker. "We have a talented core to work with, but we're going to have to have some of the other girls step up if we're going to contend at districts."

The cross country season begins today when Lake Placid hosts a five-team meet.

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

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