Sudden impact

Being able to contribute as a freshman to a high school varsity sports program is quite a compliment.

Sebring's Taylor Tubbs not only contributed to the Blue Streaks girls cross country team in her first year, she also became the top runner in the county.

Tubbs, who improved her time by more than four minutes during the season, finished with a personal-best time of 22:02 in the district meet.

"Taylor is a natural runner," said Sebring cross country coach Jeff Shoemaker. "She had to learn it's OK to hurt and not smile at the finish line and it's OK to beat your teammates.

"That was hard for her to do, but once she did she was tough to beat."

For her accomplishments and dedication, Tubbs has been selected as the 2009 Highlands Today All-Heartland Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.

"It's really awesome to be selected as the best cross country runner," said Tubbs. "I ran a couple of races last year and that got me interested in the sport. The running part is tough, but when you finish it's a very satisfying feeling."

THE TEAM

Minerva Arreguin, senior, Avon Park

Arreguin, who competed in cross country for two years, improved a lot during the season and finished with a personal-best time of 22:41 at the regional meet.

"Minerva is a natural runner," said Avon Park cross country coach Don Hickman. "She is very athletic and is a tremendous competitor."

Amanda Kennedy, senior, Sebring

Kennedy, who competed on varsity for four years, improved her time by two minutes during the season and had a personal-best time of 23:11 at the district meet.

"Amanda was very dedicated in every sport she participated," Shoemaker said. "She was a cheerleader, battled through some injuries and was a key runner for us."

Caitlyn Moulds, senior, Sebring

Moulds competed for two years on varsity, lowered her time by a minute and ran a best time of 23:44 for the Blue Streaks.

"Caitlyn worked hard to improve and was a team leader," said the Blue Streaks coach.

Amanda Sanders, junior, Avon Park

Sanders learned to pace herself and ran a personal-best time of 27:32 at the district meet.

"Amanda worked hard to lower her times," said Hickman. "She learned to pace herself and became a very consistent runner for us."

Emily Smith, sophomore, Sebring

Smith, a team captain, showed great improvement in her second year of varsity competition and had a personal-best time of 23:58 at the district competition.

"Emily was very dedicated and focused on getting better," said the Blue Streaks coach. "She has a bright future in the sport."

Kay Fort, senior, Lake Placid

Fort, in her third year of varsity running, had a personal-best time in the mid-20s for the Green Dragons.

"Kay was a team leader," said Lake Placid coach Scott Morgan. "She is a good athlete and always gave a good effort."

Jayme Faircloth, sophomore, Sebring

Faircloth showed great intestinal fortitude by fighting through the pain that comes with running cross country to post a best time of 24:03.

"Jayme is a very good athlete," Shoemaker said. "She learned how to run and overcome the pain that goes with this sport and has a great future."

HONORABLE MENTION

Kiana Crain, freshman, Sebring

Crain improved her time by more than four minutes over the course of the season and posted a best time of 33:35 at the district meet.

"Kiana learned how to become a runner," Shoemaker said. "She has a great deal of potential."

Kristina Gourley, freshman, Sebring

Gourley, who improved her time by more than two minutes, came on strong as the season progressed for the Blue Streaks and had a personal-best time of 32:36 at districts.

"Kristina worked hard to become a better runner," said the Blue Streaks coach. "She was very coachable, worked hard on her form and was a joy to coach."

Blake Fort, freshman, Lake Placid

Fort has been running since middle school and came on strong for the Green Dragons with a best time of 29:31.

"Blake is experienced at running and has a great deal of potential," said Morgan.

Julie Hernandez, eighth-grade,

Walker Memorial Academy

Hernandez showed steady improvement over the course of the season and finished with a personal-best time of 31:02 for the Eagles.

"Julie was brand new to the sport and was very excited to run with us," said Walker Memorial Academy coach John Bedell. "She showed a good deal of potential."

COACH OF THE YEAR

For developing another group of young girls into a formidable team with a solid nucleus returning for next year, Sebring veteran coach Jeff Shoemaker is the 2009 Highlands Today All-Heartland Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year.