Bauer ready for regional

Sebring senior Connor Bauer continues his quest for another trip to the state cross country finals when he competes in today's Class 3A-Region 3 meet in Charlotte.

Bauer, who easily placed second in last week's 3A-District 6 meet in Lehigh Acres with a time of 16 minutes, 32 seconds, is running with a lot of confidence and peaking at the right time.

Only the top 15 individuals advance to next Saturday's state finals in Dade City, and Bauer has no doubts that he will be able to advance to the state meet.

"I feel great and I'm running well right now," said the Blue Streak speedster. "I've been working toward these next two week's for the past year and I'm more than ready to go.

"I didn't have to push myself very hard in last week's district meet and I like my chances of finishing pretty close to the top."

The Sebring boys and girls team performed well in last week's district meet, with most of the runners turning in personal-best times, but both Blue Streak squads came up just short of qualifying for the regional meet.

I'm really proud of both the boys and girls," said veteran Sebring coach Jeff Shoemaker. "They had some really good times, especially the girls, and if you'd have told me before the meet what our times were, I would have bet that we would qualify for regionals.

"Our district was very tough and the kids ran their best and as a coach that's all you can ask for."

Shoemaker is confident that Bauer has the talent, speed and composure to handle the competition at today's regional meet.

"Connor is highly motivated, has been training well and is primed to finish the season on a very high note," the Blue Streak coach said. "I've had some excellent runners in my coaching career, but Connor's work ethic and drive are second to none.

"I have no doubt that he's ready to run well and will do what he has to do to move on to the state finals."