Sebring's Bauer Takes Second At Disney 5k

Competing against some of the elite high school cross country runners in the country didn't faze Sebring's Connor Bauer one bit.

The Blue Streak junior blazed his way to a second-place finish out of 352 runners with a personal-best time of 16 minutes, 13 seconds at Friday's Walt Disney World Classic 5k.

"I'm really happy with my time," Bauer said. "It was hot and humid, which I like, and the course at Disney World is one of my favorites.

"I love competing in these big meets against tough competition, because it really helps me prepare for the district meet coming up in a few weeks."

Bauer's outstanding performance helped the Blue Streak boys team finish 22nd out of 51 squads with 665 points.

"Connor ran an outstanding race," said Sebring assistant coach Pat Cober. "He stayed at the front most of the race and finished strong.

"To finish second against these kind of elite runners from across the country is very impressive."

Michael Polatty ran a 19:30.10, David Ontermaa came in at 19:48.50, Alex Kennedy had a 20:30.80 and Donavon White rounded out the Blue Streak scoring with a 20:37.40.

"That's a pretty good time for the boys, but they were bothered by the heat and humidity," Cober said. "They know they can run faster and they're working hard to lower their times."

Sean Halpin of Iona Prep (New York) won the 5k event with a time of 16:07.70.

"It was a three-man race most of the way," Bauer said. "Halpin made his move with about three-quarters of a mile left and I stayed with him until the last 200 meters.

"He gradually pulled away, but I gave it all I had and I'm really pleased because I lowered my personal best time by more than 15 seconds."

The Sebring girls managed to finish 25th out of 41 teams with 630 points.

Leading the way for the Blue Streaks was senior Maxine Copley with a time of 22:39.90, senior Heather McIntyre ran a 23:04.90, Amanda Kennedy came in at 25:36.80, Caitlyn Moulds had a 25:46.40 and Lisa Ontermaa rounded out the team scoring with a time of 25:59.60.

"The girls gave a good effort," Cober said. "But the hot sun and humidity affected them a little bit. The fact that they were competing against more than 260 runners and the traffic that goes with it also bothered some of them.

"The competitive environment and dealing with the congestion during the race was good for us and is something that will help our girls prepare for the district meet."

Sebring is back in action on Tuesday when the Blue Streaks host the Heartland Invitational at Highlands Hammock State Park. The race starts at 4:30 p.m.

"We want to use the last couple of regular season meets to tweak a few things," Cober said. "We want to be smart and be peaking for the district meet."