Life In The Fast Lane

SEBRING -- Proving that experience isn't everything, Sebring's Connor Bauer ran away from the competition during the recent high school cross country season.

Bauer showed that his outstanding freshman year, which included qualifying for regionals, was no fluke, as the fleet-footed sophomore cruised through the district and regional meets to qualify for the state meet in Dade City.

Bauer capped his remarkable season by finishing 25th at the Class 2A state meet with a time of 16 minutes, 52 seconds, which was his second-fastest time of the season.

For his ability and accomplishments, Bauer has been selected Highlands Today's 2007 All-Heartland Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year.

"Connor is a natural runner with a lot of ability and combines that with an outstanding work ethic," said Sebring veteran coach Jeff Shoemaker. "He is a dedicated athlete, very coachable and always gives his best effort.

"He has a bright future and moving to the elite level is within his grasp."

After not making it out of regionals last year, making it to state this year was a goal that Bauer, whose season-best time was a 16:52, desperately wanted to accomplish.

"I was happy with how the season went and to be able to qualify for the state meet was important to me," the 15-year-old Blue Streak runner said. "I think if I train hard over the summer and stay healthy, I can possibly finish in the top 10 in the state next year.

"It's going to take a lot of work, but I think I can do it, and I think we have enough talent that our boys team can make a run at state too."

The Team

u David Ontermaa, junior, Sebring -- Ontermaa ran a personal-best time of 19:36 and did everything he could to stay close to Bauer.

"David has a great work ethic," said Shoemaker. "He is very coachable and has a bright future."

u Vicente Ramos, sophomore, Lake Placid -- Ramos has a tremendous competitive desire and had a season-best time of 19:50.

"Vicente always wanted to win and run his personal-best time at every meet," said Green Dragon coach Scott Morgan. "He has a great work ethic and has an outstanding future."

u Logan Morris, sophomore, Lake Placid -- Morris pushed himself and his teammates to lower their times. He had a personal-best of 19:59 and was a team leader.

"Logan ran hard and fast at every practice," Morgan said. "He was never satisfied and his desire to improve was contagious."

u Alex Kennedy, junior, Sebring -- Kennedy ran a best time of 19:37 and used his aggressiveness to his advantage.

"Alex is very strong and a real competitor," Shoemaker said. "He worked hard to improve and should be a force next year."

u Manuel Muro Jr., junior, Avon Park -- Muro Jr. ran a 18:45 during the season and the Red Devil runner proved that hard work pays off.

"Manuel was a tireless worker and was always striving to lower his times," said Red Devil coach Justin Martin. "He was an excellent example for his teammates."

u Daniel Temples, freshman, Avon Park -- Temples made his mark in his first varsity season with a best time of 19:08.

"Daniel pushed himself and the rest of the team to work harder," Martin said. "He is dedicated and has a great future."

u Travis Martinez, freshman, Walker Memorial -- Martinez has a lot of natural ability and had a best time of 19:33 for the Eagles.

"Travis is a good athlete with plenty of ability," said Walker Memorial coach John Bedell. "He is a hard worker and has a bright future."

u Nicholas Ewing, sophomore, Walker Memorial -- Ewing proved that hard work and dedication pays off with a best time of 19:37.

"Nicholas has worked to become a good runner," Bedell said. "He is a consistent performer and will only get better."

u Damyan Byrd, senior, Avon Park -- Byrd ran a best of 19:56 and provided the Red Devils with solid leadership.

"Damyan set a great example for the rest of the team," Martin said. "He worked hard to lower his times and we're going to miss his leadership."

u Daniel Lee, sophomore, Sebring -- Lee improved dramatically during the season and ran a best time of 20:40.

"Daniel was our most improved runner," Shoemaker said. "He worked hard to lower his times and overcame some injuries to be a key part of the team."

u Taylor Martin, sophomore, Sebring - Martin fought through numerous injuries to run a best time of 20:50.

"Taylor worked hard to improve and was able to overcome injuries to make a strong contribution to the team," Shoemaker said.

Honorable Mention

u Alex Wheaton, senior, Sebring -- Wheaton ran a best time of 21:25 and was a captain for the Blue Streaks.

"Alex worked hard to improve his running form," said Shoemaker. "He worked for everything he got and was a team leader."

u David Mitchell, senior, Lake Placid -- Mitchell was a team captain and had a best time of 22:40.

"David worked hard to lower his times during the season," said Morgan. "He was a team leader and always gave his best effort."

Coach of the Year

For providing guidance and veteran leadership for a boys team that just missed qualifying for regional, and working with Connor Bauer and his run to state, Sebring's Jeff Shoemaker has been selected as Highland's Today's 2007 All-Heartland Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year.