Purposeful strides

Sebring's Connor Bauer is one of those rare athletes that comes through when it matters most.

Bauer, who qualified for the state cross country finals in his sophomore and junior years, put an exclamation point on an outstanding high school career by finishing seventh out of 170 runners with a time of 16:00.53 over the demanding 5K course at the Class 3A state finals in Dade City.

"I'm so proud of Connor because he rose to the occasion time after time throughout his four years of running in high school," said Sebring veteran cross country coach Jeff Shoemaker. "He sacrificed and dedicated himself to becoming better and I've coached some excellent runners in my career, but Connor is a warrior and ranks at the top of the list."

For his accomplishments, ability and leadership, Bauer, for the third consecutive year, is the 2009 Highlands Today All-Heartland Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year.

"I'm definitely satisfied with my effort against tough competition," said Bauer. "The last part of the state finals was the happiest I've ever felt in that kind of pain.

"I worked hard, sacrificed a lot and enjoyed my four years of running cross country in high school because I did the best I could."

THE TEAM

Charles Hubbard, junior, Avon Park

Hubbard, who is also an outstanding wrestler, ran a personal-best time of 19:05 at the district meet for the Red Devils. Hubbard utilized his strength and stamina from wrestling to pace the Red Devils boys team.

"Charles doesn't like to get beat in anything," said Avon Park cross country coach Don Hickman. "He's a very strong runner and the tougher the course the better he runs."

Vicente Ramos, senior, Lake Placid

Ramos, who ran varsity for four years, set a Lake Placid boys school record with a personal-best time 18:42 during a meet in Clewiston.

"Vicente improved a lot this year and managed to set a school record," said Lake Placid coach Scott Morgan. "He was a team captain, a leader and lowered his time by more than two minutes."

Travis Martinez, junior, Walker Memorial Academy

Martinez had a personal-best time of 19:03 for the Eagles.

"Travis has natural talent and enjoys running," said veteran Walker Memorial Academy coach John Bedell. "He's a hard worker and has the potential to run much lower."

Michael Polatty, senior, Sebring

Polatty, who was a four-year varsity runner, had a best time of 19:19 at the district meet for the Blue Streaks.

"Michael worked hard during his high school career to become a better runner," Shoemaker said. "He lowered his time by more than two minutes this year and came on strong at the end of the season."

Dexter Grenier,

sophomore, Avon Park

Grenier, who was competing in cross country for the first time, ran a personal-best time of 19:10 for the Red Devils.

"Dexter had never run cross country before this year," said Hickman. "But he came out for the team and found out he really loves running. He's a hard worker and is only going to get better."

Jordan Scott, senior,

Lake Placid

Scott ran in the low 20s for the Green Dragons.

"Jordan is a hard worker and lowered his time by more than two minutes," said Morgan.

Evan Wilburn, sophomore, Sebring

Wilburn, in his first season, ran a best time of 19:57 for the Blue Streaks.

"Evan is a real hard worker and knocked more than two minutes off his time from the beginning of the season," the Blue Streaks coach said. "He had a great attitude and has a lot of potential."

Paul Bohling, freshman, Sebring

Bohling made an impact as a freshman with a best time of 20:30 for the Blue Streaks.

"Paul is very talented and knocked three minutes off his time from the start of the season," Shoemaker said. "If he stays focused, he has a chance to be very good."

Benny Aguilar, freshman, Lake Placid

Aguilar ran in the low 20s for the Green Dragons.

"Benny is very talented and has a great deal of potential," the Green Dragon coach said. "Besides his ability, he also has excellent leadership skills."

Donavon White,

sophomore, Sebring

White, who battled several injuries, ran a best time of 20:24 for the Blue Streaks.

"Donavon has a lot of potential and had a good season in spite of his injuries," said Shoemaker. "He is very competitive and should be a force for us next year."

HONORABLE MENTION

Micah Olsen, senior,

Sebring

Olsen had a personal-best time of 21:10 at the district meet for the Blue Streaks.

"Micah had his best effort at the district meet and as a coach that's what you want," said Shoemaker. "He lowered his time by more than two minutes and always gave a solid effort."

Carl Dassinger, freshman, Sebring

Dassinger ran a 23:59 at the end of the season and was able to lower his time by almost five minutes.

"Carl has a bright future ahead of him if he sticks with it and works hard," Shoemaker said.

COACH OF THE YEAR

For providing consistent leadership and developing talent over the course of the season, Sebring coach Jeff Shoemaker has been selected as the Highlands Today Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year.