TRAILS AND TRACKS ACROSS FLORIDA--For most of Florida's
runners, the FHSAA State Meet this past weekend
concluded their cross country season. But for
Florida's finest, there is still another goal on the
horizon: A trip to the Footlocker Cross Country
Championships held in Orlando on December 8. Only 32
boys and 32 girls nationally earn the privelege to run
in this, the most prestigous race an American high
schooler can compete in.
The road to Orlando begins this weekend for runners
all over the Southeastern US and Carribean Territories as
they compete in the Footlocker South Regional held at
McAlpine Greenway Park in Charlotte, NC. For what has
been dubbed one of the best classes of South runners in
recent memory, Florida's stars have some lofty
expectations.
For those of you with short memories, just last
year, three Florida runners qualified out of the South
Region for Footlocker Nationals. Winter Park's Mike
Swope (Univ. of Georgia) placed 7th in the region and
16th at nationals; Keswick Christian's Christa
Benton (Univ. of S. Florida) won the girls side at regional,
and finished 12th in Orlando; and Episcopal standout Kara
Scanlin claimed the runner-up postion in Charlotte,
and placed 22nd in the National Championship.
On paper, Florida appears even stronger this year.
Scanlin is the top returner from the South.
Considering that fact coupled with her State Meet record performance of 17:19 (earning her her first 1A
title), Scanlin is the clear favorite for the 2001
South Region crown. Florida has three other favorites
fighting for the eight spots to Nationals: Cooper City senior
and 4A champion Jessica Hellender (24th in '00); two-time
2A state champ Elly Kabboord of Cocoa Beach; and
2000 3A state champ and 2001 2A runner-up Jenny Gomez of Lourdes Academy
(29th in '00). Other possible challengers include 2001 3A State
champ, Plant's Mallory Giordiano and Stranahan's
Angela Pichardo.
The Florida boys are vying to make their claim for those coveted
eight spots: including FPC senior and 2000 3A state champ Matt Cianciulli (18th
in '00); Sophomore, Great American Race of Champions victor Ryan Deak of Maclay (19th);
2001 3A runner-up Eric Beights (28th); two-time 1A champ Rolf
Steir (29th). Other returners who can challenge for a
National birth include Ridgeview's Lee Yaracs and
Tyrone Bell; new 3A champ Steve Hassen (Vanguard);
last year's Junior race champion Sean Burris
(Rockledge), as well as Daniel Parker (4A champ-Boone
HS) and Ryan Ripley of Belleview.
When Saturday, November 24th rolls around, Florida
running has the opportunity to make a national
statement, and countless Florida harriers will vie for
a chance to represent themselves on their home turf in
Orlando. After that...we'll just have to wait for
track season.
A FOOTLOCKER PREVIEW