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Green Dragons On The Move

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

The Lake Placid cross country teams have a solid nucleus of veteran runners back for the 2008 season.

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By MARK PINSON Highlands Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 17, 2008

LAKE PLACID - With four returning runners and three newcomers, the Lake Placid boys cross country team is primed to have a strong season.

"We have a good nucleus of returning runners to build around," said fourth-year Green Dragon boys coach Scott Morgan. "The boys have been working hard in practice and we're looking forward to the season."

Leading the way for Lake Placid is junior Vicente Ramos, who was selected to last year's All-Heartland team.

"Vicente is a natural runner, is very competitive and always wants to run a fast time," said Morgan. "He has a great work ethic and has looked good in practice."

Brendan Orozco has shown a lot of promise in the early part of the season and freshman Julian Martinez has the speed and ability to be a force for the Green Dragons.

"Brendan and Julian have really looked good in practice," said Morgan. "Julian is a natural runner and if he keeps at it, could be a force for years to come.

"We've got the athletes to run up front, we just need some of the other guys to step up and fall in behind them."

Sophomore Joey Forest is new, but has lots of promise, Danny Pollard is back with a year's experience under his belt and Manny Pinillos has picked up from where he left off last year.

"We don't have a lot of runners, but we do have some talent," said Morgan. "We're going to work hard during the season and we want to be running our best when the districts come around."

The Green Dragons girls squad has eight runners with five having gained experience last year.

Junior captain Jessica Landers and sister Brandy Landers, who is the co-captain, are solid runners and sophomore Thalia Espinoza has plenty of seed to burn.

"Jessica and Brandy have been working hard and looked good in practice," said fourth-year girls coach Dennis Berard. "Thalia came on strong last year and has picked up where she left off and we expect great things from her."

Sophomore Micaela Martinez has opened some eyes with her practice times.

"Micaela has the ability to really help our team score," said Berard. "She just needs to work on her technique and her stamina."

Senior Erica Resendiz, who was last year's Highlands Today All Heartland Runner of the Year, is back and in fine form.

Blake Fort and Ellen Layendecker gained valuable experience last year and are stronger and more prepared for this season.

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