4A Boys Rankings

By: Jorge Fleitas, Dr. Phillips HS, [email protected]  

         
Team Rankings:

Rank. Team = Comments

1. Winter Springs = I thought nobody was going to be able to dethrone Lyman. Winter Springs showed they are the team to beat in 2015.


2. Lyman = Lyman did not run the killer 1-2-3. For that they stay in the #2 Spot. Lyman will need a #5 to repeat…


3. Columbus = Did Not Run


4.St. Thomas = Did Not Run


5.Winter Park = The park has the Talent to be a competitor for the title if the Park Pack can break up the Winter Springs Pack


6.Ferguson = Did Not Run


7. Olympia = Olympia had a 12 sec spread 2-5


8. John I Leonard  = They looked great week 1. Being led by a top 5 finisher could put them top 10   this year


9. Sarasota  watch for Sarasota to get better and better as the season grows... Research shows they should finish top 10 in 2015.


10. North Port- the Port is making noise in 2015! Placing 2nd at the Lemon Bay invite.


11. Lakewood Ranch- placed 3rd at the Lemon Bay Invite.


12. Dr. Phillips- placed 3rd at the Deland Invite


13. Lake Mary- 17:46 team average finished 8th at spikes and spurs


14. Flagler Palm Coast- 17:43 team average and finish 9th at spike and spurs


15. Hagerty- placed 4th at Deland Invite
 

 

4A Girls Rankings

By: Ryan Raposo, John A. Ferguson HS, [email protected]     

      
Team Rankings:

Commentary: Here is the beginning of the season team rankings. Looking at last year’s results, minus the seniors, plus strong track & field seasons, are what give us this very early season guesstimate. The top few schools look to be a lock, and then it’s a jumble from there! As usual, I will rank the top six teams from each region, 24 teams total, simulating a mock state meet structure. However, I’m sure there will be many changes and jumps in the next couple of weeks. Good luck this season everyone!
(Note: After looking at Week 1 results, a few very solid performances have shook up any type of preseason ranking, however, I will still use last year’s results to help fill in the gaps for most of the schools, and I will also guess that not every top team has been running all of their athletes just yet. Region 4 hasn’t even raced at all!)

Rank. (2014 State Finish) Team, Region = Comments

1. (1) Winter Park, 1 = The defending 4A State Champions return their entire squad from a year ago, plus a few new studs to add to the mix. Look for them to be shooting for a few state records this year! Go Wildcats!

T-2. (8) Dr. Phillips, 1 = The Panthers have been set-up to be the other podium team since last season, as they also return their entire squad. However, Sarasota has shifted into 4A and could possibly disrupt their goals.

T-2. (4, 3A) Sarasota, 2 = Welcome to 4A, Sailors! After a strong finish in the 3A meet last year, this squad has a legitimate shot at making the podium if they can catch DP. It really looks like a two-team race for second.

4. (3) Lourdes, 4 = After a strong performance at last year’s state meet, along with a great showing this track season in all of the distance events, the Bobcats look to stay as a top five team once again for 2015.

5. (NR) Plant, 2 = They’re baaaaaack! Never count out Coach Harrison and his Panther girls. They had a fantastic track season, a few girls really matured well, and they’ve opened the new season with a bang!

6. (NR) West Orange, 1 = They look fantastic in the computers, both last year and to start this year, but it’s not the rankings that matter if these Warriors want to be at the state meet this year and finishing in the top ten!

7. (NR) George Jenkins, 2 = Another team that came up a little short at the end of last year, the Eagles were another team with a strong track season that has them poised to be in the top ten hunt for this season.

8. (11) Sarasota Riverview, 2 = Narrowly missing their top ten goal in 2014, I know the Rams put in the work in the spring and in the summer and now they’re ready to bounce back into the top ten this season.

9. (13) Hagerty, 1 = The Huskies are coming back with a strong team and have opened the season well. If they can make it out of the Region of Death, top ten is a definite possibility.

10. (NR) Spruce Creek, 1 = Although they weren’t at the state championship last year, the Hawksput together a pretty good opening season meet and look to be able clear the ROD for now!

11. (4) Winter Springs, 1 = One of the top performing teams from last year, the Bears didn’t quite have the best track season and opened this past weekend a little slower than I thought they would be.

12. (15) Wharton, 2 = The Wildcats are coming off a very strong track & field season and although not currently ranked in the top ten, with a small push they can easily get there.

13. (5) North Port, 2 = A small drop off from last year’s final ranking as these Bobcats didn’t quite have the best track season or opening XC weekend either, similar to Winter Springs.

14. (2) St. Thomas Aquinas, 4 = Although they have the top end talent to be a top team, the combination of their #2 and #3 not running track and a coaching transition, drops the Raiders out of the top ten.

15. (9) Ferguson, 4 = Coming off a great track season like many of the above teams, these Falcons need to convert their track skills to the XC course. There is lots of upward potential for this team.

16. (17) Vero Beach, 3 = A fairly good track season and a fairly good opening season meet puts these Fighting Indians in the middle of the state pack, but more importantly, at the top of Region 3.

17. (15) Coral Reef, 4 = The Barracudas are coming off of a tough track & field season, along with three of their top girls having pretty big injuries. If they can get healthy, they’ll move up quickly.

18. (NR) Park Vista, 3 = The Cobras have started off 2015 fairly well and have put themselves in the hunt for a chance at the Region 3 podium finish, trying to hold off some close competition.

19. (NR) Boca Raton, 3 = The third Bobcat team on our list, these girls are also right in the mix for Region 3 dominance, if they can keep their eyes on the teams just ahead of them.

20. (22) Wellington, 3 = The Wolverines look to be a top twenty team, but don’t have much room for upward mobility unless they can challenge the teams in their own region.

21. (18) Jupiter, 3 = The Warriors are coming off a great finish at the state meet from last year, but losing their top athlete drops them down into the bottom tier, just missing out on top 20.

22. (16) Douglas, 3 = Even more drastic than Jupiter, these Eagles currently look to be the last qualifying team from the easiest Region. They have a lot of work to do if they want to repeat last year’s success.

23. (24) Coral Gables, 4 = Although they’re not coming from the easiest region, the Cavaliers benefit from being in a region without a lot of depth. They’d need a ton of luck on their side to push out of the bottom tier.

24. (23) Cooper City, 4 = Same as above, these Cowboys have the luxury of being in a region without depth, which means there is always a spot or two available to sneak in to the state meet with a decent performance.

Boxed Out (in no particular order):

Fleming Island, 1 ; Lake Brantley, 1 ; Lake Mary, 1 ; Olympia, 1 ; Mandarin, 1 ; Lakewood Ranch, 2 ; Newsome, 2

Individual Rankings:

Commentary: Here are the individual pre-season rankings! These rankings are based off of returning XC performances from 2014, as well as track performances in 2015 (which I always place a heavy emphasis on). Any girl with an *asterisk by their name is someone who I expect to have a break-out season! Keep an eye out for them as well as the girls listed at the bottom. Once we get further into the racing season I’m sure there will be a few shake-ups as well as new freshmen studs cracking the list. Have a great start to the season ladies!
Rank. Name, Grade – Team = Returning Rank 5k / 3200m / 1600m; Last Year’s Times; Comments
1. Rafaella Gibbons, 10 – Winter Park = 1 / 1 / 4; 17:39 / 10:42 / 5:02; Defending 4A State Champion 5k & 3200m!

2. Kayley Delay, 11 – Fletcher = 3 / 3 / 1; 17:58 / 10:53 / 4:57; She continues to amaze and can hang with almost anyone!

3. Alexa Cruz, 12 – St. Thomas Aquinas = 2 / 2 / 5; 17:56 / 10:48 / 5:03; Former 4A State Champion 5k & 3200m!

4. Sinclaire Johnson, 12 – Lake Brantley = 4 / 9 / 2; 18:03 / 11:28 / 4:59; Two-time 4A State Champion 1600m & 800m!

5. *Daniela Urzua, 11 – Lake Mary = 6 / 4 / 30; 18:33 / 11:07 / 5:25; Break-out season!

6. *Sabrina Quijano, 11 – Lourdes = 11 / 5 / 9; 18:57 / 11:09 / 5:13; Break-out season!

7. *Bailey Hertenstein, 10 – Riverview = 12 / 7 / 3; 18:58 / 11:19 / 5:01; Break-out season!

8. Hana Herdon, 11 – Winter Park = 5 / 8 / 15; 18:29 / 11:27 / 5:17; Count the Wildcats… #2

9. Katherine Kuhn, 12 – Winter Park = 6 / X / 6; 18:33 / X / 5:03; Count the Wildcats… #3

10. *Emily English, 11 – George Jenkins = 17 / 6 / 7; 19:11 / 11:16 / 5:04; Break-out season!

11. Elizabeth Jenkins, 11 – Winter Park = 8 / 12 / 12; 18:38 / 11:34 / 5:14; Count the Wildcats… #4

12. *Megan Hannah, 10 – West Orange = 20 / 10 / 14; 19:15 / 11:28 / 5:16; Break-out season!

13. Janet Annika Sison, 12 – Dr. Phillips = 9 / 11 / 16; 18:53 / 11:33 / 5:17; Top ten potential!

14. *Isabella Whelan, 12 – Buchholz = 24 / 14 / 19; 19:23 / 11:44 / 5:20; Break-out season!

15. *Sage Lyons, 11 – Sarasota = 28 / 16 / 18; 19:29 / 11:46 / 5:19; Break-out season!

Be on the lookout for these top returnees from XC and TF last year!

> Amber Pierce, 12 – Jupiter = #13 XC returnee
> Emily Nix, 12 – Winter Park = #14 XC returnee
> Victoria Jung, 12 – George Jenkins = #15 XC returnee
> Nicolette Worrell, 11 – Hagerty = #16 XC returnee
> Annika Mursten, 11 – Douglas = #19 XC returnee
Top returning XC girls that didn’t run track in 2015 (if someone has the scoop, let me know!)
> Lily Kloepfer, 12 – St. Thomas Aquinas = #10 XC returnee
> Danielle Van Liere, 11 – Fletcher = #18 XC returnee
> Briana Burnett, 11 – Timber Creek = #21 XC returnee
> Jaina Hawkins, 11 – Winter Springs = #25 XC returnee
Names you might not have heard of before, but you probably will very soon…
> Kaitlyn Solris, 11 – University = #8 returning 1600m runner (5:12)
> Gillian Minnehan, 11 – Plant = #11 returning 1600m runner (5:14)
> Bryanna Rivers, 11 – Wharton = #13 returning 1600m runner (5:16)
> Mackenzie Brown, 11 – Sarasota = #17 returning 1600m runner (5:19)
> Nicole Mcconnell, 10 – Monarch = #13 returning 3200m runner (11:39)
> Meaghan Slack, 11 – Mandarin = #15 returning 3200m runner (11:46)
> Anna Grzeszczak, 12 – Mandarin = #17 retuning 3200m runner (11:47)
> Kaylee Alfaro, 11 – Ferguson = #18 returning 3200m runner (11:49)
> Jamie Ivey, 12 – Dr. Phillips = #21 returning 3200m runner (11:57)

 

3A Girls Rankings

By: Steve Farnsworth, Lecanto HS, [email protected]   

   
Team Rankings:

Commentary:  It was a weird first week.  Some teams ran hard, some ran easy, others didn’t run at all; one team had a relay meet.  There were fast courses, slow courses, wet courses and maybe even a short course or two.  The rankings are based on 2015 times except for the teams that didn’t run – they’re still being evaluated on 2014 times, but they tended to drift lower due to inactivity.  The rankings are not solely based on team averages and do not follow them completely – other factors are considered.

Rank, (Previous Rank), Team, Region, Team Average = Comments

1. (12) Ponte Vedra, 1, 20.29. The Sharks vault to the top after hammering the field at Bob Hans Invite.

2. (1) Ft. Myers, 3, 20:48. The Green Wave may still be the best team in 3A, but they were unimpressive in winning the Caloosahatchee Riverdale Invite.

3. (2) Chiles, 1, DNR.  The Timberwolves are still a strong team, but were weakened by the transfer of their No. 4 runner.

4. (8) Nease, 1, 21:06. The Panthers finished third at the Spurs and Spikes Classic

5. (4) Ft. Walton Beach, 1, 20:54.   The Vikings won the Cougar XC Challenge with a team average of 21:17.

6. (5) Niceville, 1, NT.  The Eagles hosted a relay meet that didn’t yield any comparable times.

7. (3) Columbia, 1, 21:38. The Tigers dropped a bit after finishing third at the Bob Hans Invite.

8. (10) Ocala Vanguard, 2, 21:50. The Knights open strong with a fifth-place finish at Spikes and Spurs.

9. (6) Creekside, 1, DNR.  These Knights will open their season at the UNF Invite.

10. (11) Merritt Island, 4,  22:09. The Mustangs win their opener at the Trinity Prep XC Invite.

11. (NR) Charlotte, 3,  22:06. The Tarpons were a surprising second at the Caloosahatchee Riverdale Invite.

12. (23) Osceola (Seminole), 3, 22:10. The Warriors put up good times on the slow Holloway Park course.

13. (9) St. Augustine, 1,  22:15. The Yellowjackets should move higher once their No.1 runner is at full speed.

14. (13) Estero, 3, DNR.   The Wildcats open their season at their own DDD Invitational.

15. (14) Seabreeze, 2,  22:31. The Sandcrabs were the top 3A team at the Deland Invitational.

16.  (NR) East Lake, 3, 22:35. The Eagles make their 3A debut with a good run at Holloway Park.

17. (NR) Tate, 1, 22:39. The Aggies won the Pace Patriot Invite, defeating Choctawhatchee.

18. (15) Land O’Lakes, 2, DNR. The Gators open their season this Saturday at the Lecanto Invitational.

19. (20) Bartram Trail, 1, 22:44.   The Bears were fifth at the Ridgeview/Bob Hans Invite.

20. (7) Choctawhatchee, 1, 22:30. The Choctaws’ did not look like a top-10 team with a team average of 22:54 at the Pace Patriot Invite.

21. (16) Dwyer, 4.  22:52, The Panthers won their season opener at the Benjamin Invitational.

22. (18) Palmetto Ridge, 3, 22:59. The Bears were fourth at the Caloosahatchee Riverdale Invite.

23. (NR) Leon, 1, 22:56. The Lions placed second at the Cougar XC Challenge.

24. (22) Miami Northwestern, 4, DNR.  The Bulls are not known for their distance runners, but their middle-distance runners can make a pretty good team.

25. (24) Gainesville, 2, 23:19. The Hurricanes finished 7th at the Ridgeview/Bob Hans Invite.
Individual Rankings:

Commentary: 2015 times are being used for the rankings for active runners.  2014 XC times are still being used to evaluate athletes that haven’t run yet in 2015, but these runners tend to drop in the rankings due to inactivity. 2015 season bests are not the sole factor in rankings as other factors are considered.

 Rank, (Previous Rank) Name, Grade, Team, 2015 XC SB / Comments

1. (7) Kristlin Gear, 11, Ft. Myers, 18:47.  Ran away from everyone at the Caloosahatchee Riverdale Invite.

2. (2) Emma Tucker, 12, Chiles, DNR.  Will open her season on Saturday at the UNF Invite.

3. (3) Tara Openshaw, 10, Creekside, DNR.  Will be challenging Tucker at the UNF Invite.

4. (11) Bridget Morse, 10, Columbia, 19:15.  Got off to a very strong start in winning the Bob Hans Invite.

5. (22) Claire Moritz, 10, Ponte Vedra, 19:21.  The leader of the surprising Ponte Vedra squad.

6. (NR) Abby Reimer, 12, Ponte Vedra. 19:24. A tremendous start for her senior year.

7. (4) Kara Funke, 11, Leesburg, 19:41.  Third at the Spikes and Spurs Classic.

8. (5) Devin Molloy, 11, Barron Collier, DNR.  The Cougars are opening their season at the Estero Invite.

9. (8) Lauren Stanford, 11, Bartram Trail, 19:45.  Finished fourth at the Ridgeview/ Bob Hans Invite.

10. (6) Alexandra Wallace, 12, Chiles, DNR.  Opening her season on Saturday at the UNF Invite.

11. (9) Breeana Salcedo, 12, Estero, DNR.  Starting her season on her home course on Saturday

.
12. (1) Kelly Aponte, 12, St. Augustine, 23:06.  Took it easy in her first meet, will move much higher or lower in next poll.

13. (NR) Cassie Pierron, 10, Columbia, 20.06.  Finished a surprising fifth at the Ridgeview/ Bob Hans Invite.

14. (10) Kianna Bonnet, 12, Seabreeze, 20:14.  Placed 8th at the Deland Invitational.

15. (12) Claire Farnsworth, 12, Lecanto, 20:14.  Won easily on the spongy Wesley Chapel Invite course.

16. (13) Daley Cline, 12, Estero, DNR.  Her team starts their season at their own DDD Invitational.

17. (14) Claire Crist, 11, Niceville, NT.  Ran in an XC relay meet that didn’t provide individual times.

18. (15) Megan Giovaniello, 11, Estero, DNR.  The Wildcats No. 3 runner will get on the board this weekend.

19. (16) Katie Potts, 12, Nease, 20:13.  Fifth at the Spikes and Spurs Classic.

20. (18) Emily Onimus, 12, St. Augustine, 20:15.  Seventh at the Spikes and Spurs Classic.

21. (NR) Maddie Fulmer, 12, Ft. Walton Beach, 20:04.  Making a big splash since moving up from 2A.

22. (20). Emma Rudman, 12, Ft. Walton Beach, 20:02.  Dropped off in second meet of year.

23. (21) Kaitlin Rocker, 12, Creekside, DNR.   Will start season at UNF Invite this Saturday.

24. (17) Abby Fisher, 10, Ft, Myers, DNR.  Did not run in the Green Wave’s opening meet.

25. (19) Maggie Parrish, 12, Chamberlain, 20:19.  Won Central Hillsborough Invitational

 

On the Bubble:

Carter Page, 12, Gainesville, 20:12.
Stephanie Hansen, 11, Ocala Vanguard, 20:14.
Haley Kling, 11, Pace, 20:19

 

2A Girls Rankings

By: Mike Becker, multiple high schools

Team Rankings:

Commentary: Here is a combination of limited season openers, and pre season rankings.  Please take “week 1” with a grain of salt.  Because I did. Top 3 are clear.. 4 is a guess… after that all is murky

Rank. School … Comments

1. Bolles … only an ostrich whose head has been in the sand would not put them in as number one…..they are just cloning fast runners there… what else can be said…. but

2. Pine Crest… every dog has his ( her ) day,… Pine Crest returns entire solid squad and gets an 11:05 3200 transfer from Gulliver .  so three sub 11:10 girls on one team!!!! They will need to stay healthy thru 5 to make state into a PC-Bolles dual meet ( with perhaps 5 girls total- almost all from region 4)  

4. Ransom… third last year and return Archer, Ruan as well as top 5… certainly better than they were in 2014 but not in same stratosphere as PC and Bolles

5.  Satellite:  Hard to predict where they will be since no one outside of Satellite knows which kids are eligible at State. But beware these guys ( girls)…..if the kids that ran in Wickham are eligible, they are serious challengers to 3rd… otherwise 2016
Rest of team are based on 2014 finish and 1 meet I’m sure I’m missing someone

6. Academy of Holy Names

7. Lemon Bay

8. West Florid Tech

9. Lake Highland

10. Berkeley Prep

11. Eastside

12. Bishop Kenny

13. Rockledge

Individual Rankings:

Commentary: I hate ranking a mix of kids who ran week 1 with others who slept in … but what the heck … need to entertain the masses.  No disrespect to 3A and 4A…. but this group is just as strong up top if not stronger … I can see anyone from 1-6 on this list winning the gold in November…especially with Yared coming off injury…  Unknowns include fact that Satellite kids’ eligibility is not known by ranker (me) and I’m sure some new teams entering 2A.  Ill fix all this by week 2 … Also… kind of clear that Region 4 is toughest region state again… In fact region 4AA might be toughest region in any class 10 deep, and sooner or later Satellite will add top talent to the party. 6 of top 10 are Bolles or PC… This is not a typo.. in fact crystal ball says 10 of top 20 are as well.

Rank. Name- School, Comments

1.  Tsion Yared- Pine Crest, defending state champion… but did not run track due to injury… so we will see

2.  Julia Montgomery- Pine Crest… state 3200 fastest time returning 10:45 and two time state xc champ… 

3.  Beatriz Ruan- Ransom Everglades… state 3200 runner up, xc runner up…. Enough said

4. Lauren Archer- Ransom Everglades, been on podium since 8th grade… 5:00 miler… solid as a rock

5. Mackenzie Wilson- Bolles… state 3200 champion and many time podium runner.
6. Alyssa Pujols-… now at Pine Crest… ran low 11:00s  in track before injury… hard to believe that PC’s third runner on paper can run that fast .

7.    Nicole Matysik- Key West, beat a hibernating Archer and Ruan in week 1 on a fast HT course… she seems to be for real

8.  Leigha Torino- North Marion, a proven all state runner

9.   Caitlin Collier- Bolles… a beast of a runner… state 800 and 1600 champion 

10..  Rachel Shapiro- Bolles, consistent as the day is long

11.  Skye Zeller- Space Coast, great track season if she can translate to 5K, can be top 5…  

12.   Natalie Varela- Gulliver… new middle school phenom to enter fray 

 

2A Boys Rankings

By: Bryan Garcia, H.B. Plant High School, [email protected]  

     
Team Rankings:

Commentary: It was a wild first week in the 2A classification! With Trinity Prep holding down a strong first place lead, Bolles could become that cardiac cat team that could be dangerous enough here down the line in November. In Region 1, Bolles is far and away the best team while West Florida Tech seems to be holding down 2nd.  With Region 2, Trinity Prep won’t allow it to get close as Lake Highland Prep and Eastside emerge to give that region some flavor. Region 3 seems to have Labelle’s name on it, but you can never count out a very good Immokalee team. Pine Crest dominates a stacked Region 4 that saw a rise in Calvary Christian this past weekend. Both Region 1 and Region 4 tied for having the most teams ranked in the top 15 with 4 apiece. As far as Satellite goes, I could not find a way to rank them as a team nor individually. It’s a great team, but with no chance of taking all of their kids to the postseason it seems like a rather moot point. This season has gotten off to a very interesting start and it appears it will stay interesting in 2015.

Rank. (Previous Rank) Team, Region = Comments

1. (1), Trinity Prep, Region 2 = Score 20 points in route to a large victory at the Trinity Prep Invitational. TP had 7 spots in the top 10 individually. With 8 guys under 18 minutes and a 16:59 average to start the season, this team’s depth will keep it well in the lead.

2. (2), Pine Crest, Region 4 = PC did not race this week. They’ve got the runner-up spot on hold as they prepare for their first meet.

3. (6), Bolles, Region 1 = After being noted as one of the youngest teams in the state last week, Bolles came out and made a statement in week 1 with its top 2 finishers being freshmen! They blew the doors off of the Ridgeview Invitational with a 31 point victory and a 41 second 1-5 split. This may not only be a team looking to contend with Pine Crest, but could work its way up to push TP.

4. (4), Labelle, Region 3 = With a runner-up finish at the Riverdale Invitational, Labelle had the best 1-5 split of any team in the state of Florida at 26 seconds! Their ability to pack run is huge and keeps them eying a top 5 finish in the fall.

5. (7), Calvary Christian, Region 4 = This team absolutely went off this past weekend, and did it without defending state champion Joel Lacy. Led by first place finisher Danny Ferro, Calvary won the TKA Lions Invitational by almost 60 points scoring just 34. With a 17:59 team average, this team just made its claim for a top 5 spot.

6. (9), West Florida Tech, Region 1 = Placing 5 guys under 18 minutes and all in the top 15, Tech came out with a big win at the Pace Invitational. They scored 41 points and had a team average of 17:36 as this team ready’s for a top 5 fight.

7. (8), Ransom Everglades, Region 4 = Ransom was the Wickham Park Jamboree runner-up with an average of 18:02. At one of the biggest meets last weekend, this team put 5 guys in the top 26 to hold off a talented Titusville team. This squad, with Gabriel Correa’s leadership, is quietly moving up in the top 10.

8. (13), Titusville, Region 4 = This team made a huge leap from the preseason as they catapulted into the top 10! With an 18:08 average and a 3rd place finish at the Wickham Park Jamboree, this team will be battling out Ransom all year and into what could be a top 10 spot.

9. (10), Immokalee, Region 3 = Immokalee did not race this week. Based on previous times, this team finds itself in the top 10.

10. (NR), Bishop Snyder, Region 1 = Coming out of left field, Bishop Snyder is riding a 4th place finish at the Ridgeview Invitational into the top 10! With an 18:07 average, this team’s 3-5 were within 4 seconds of each other. After a 17th place finish last year at the State Meet, Bishop Snyder is in the driver’s seat for another top 20 finish. 

11. (5), Bishop Kenny, Region 1 = BK placed 5th at the Ridgeview Invitational. This team was just 12 points behind Bishop Snyder and has all season to continue to grow. BK’s 18:36 average keeps them in the hunt for a top 10 finish.

12. (11), Lemon Bay, Region 3 = Lemon Bay placed 4th at their self-named Lemon Bay Invitational, with an average of 18:32. Lemon Bay is in great position to move up as the season goes along as they have 4 seniors in their top 5 looking to end their careers on a top 10 finish.

13. (15), Lake Highland Prep, Region 2 = LHP begins the 2015 season with a 6th place finish at the Deland Invitational. This team’s 2-4 are composed of sub 19 minute kids and are aiming to use that core to break into the top 15.

14. (NR), Archbishop McCarthy, Region 4 = Moving down from 3A, Archbishop McCarthy has quite the team to start the season. Last year, they were led by recent graduate Jeremy Farrell. At the Park Vista Invitational, McCarthy placed 2 guys in the top 10 that gives them a chance to finish top 15 in the fall. 

15. (NR), Eastside, Region 2 = Eastside placed 6th over the weekend at the Ridgeview Invitational with an 18:59 average. After making it to the State Meet last year, Eastside will not only be hoping for back to back state appearances but a shot at a top 15 finish.
 

Individual Rankings:

Commentary: As of course is the case with doing preseason rankings, the first week ushered in complete change from the previous one. There are 8 names in the top 25 that were not on it last week. The top has not change that much with Joel Lacy still the favorite as the defending state champion. Mason Jones, Trent Mandato, Danny Ferro, and Charles Hicks all made pretty significant moves in/into the top 10 with some of the best racing in the state. In the top 15, Patrick Salas and William Shine were big movers with both of them having impressive first races. 3 freshmen made the list, 2 of whom appear to have not run before this year. With all the new additions, this season could be one of the craziest in the last 5 years in 2A where on any given day, anyone can medal in November.

Rank. (Previous Rank) Name, Grade – Team = Time / Comments

1. (1), Joel Lacy, 12th – Calvary Chrisitan = Lacy did not race this past weekend. He is the defending state champion in 2A, and until he gets beaten, he stays on top of the hill.

2. (7), Mason Jones, 11th – Titusville = Moving up 5 spots, Jones was the runner-up at the Wickham Park Jamboree. With a time of 16:34, this young man looks poised to make some noise this fall.

3. (2), Gabriel Correa, 12th – Ransom Everglades = Correa placed 5th at the Wickham Park Jamboree with a time of 16:48. Correa finished 3rd at the State Meet last year, but don’t expect him to go down this year as he eyes a state championship.

4. (6), Trent Mandato, 11th – Trinity Prep = With a runner-up placing to Steven Cross at the Trinity Prep Invitational, Mandato brought himself back into the top 5 fold. Mandato ran 16:38 and it’s a good start for this season.

5. (4), Chas Cook, 12th – Trinity Prep = Cook was close behind teammate Mandato to place 3rd at the Trinity Prep Invitational in a time of 16:41. With the constant pushing of teammates, it is not inconceivable to see Cook move up more spots before the season ends.

6. (5), Caleb Pottorff, 11th – Lincoln Park = Pottorff did not race this week. Even with the week off, Pottorff’s track season alone puts him in a perennial top 5 finish.

7. (8), Michael Kennedy, 11th – Pine Crest = Kennedy did not race this week. With that, he still belongs deep in the top 10.

8. (NR), Danny Ferro, 10th – Calvary Christian = Ferro claimed his first high school cross country victory this past weekend winning the TKA Lions Invitational in a time of 16:40. After leaving him off the list last week, there is no denying that he belongs on it and in the top 10. 

9. (10), Antonio Gomez, 10th – Frostproof = Gomez did not race this week. Gomez had a great freshmen year and is a good pick to land in the top 10.

10. (14), Charles Hicks, 9th – Bolles = This young man is really something. As an 8th grader he made it to the State Meet in track and in his first race of his freshmen year, he ran 16:47. Hicks placed 3rd at the Ridgeview Invitational and could be poised for a big top 10 finish in November.

11. (11), Ryan Welch, 12th – Pine Crest = Welch did not run last week. Welch stayed at 11, but clearly has the ability to finish in the top 10.

12. (21), Patrick Salas, 11th – Trinity Prep = Placing 4th at the Trinity Prep Invitational, Salas finished with a time of 16:51. Salas leaped up 9 spots after the first meet and is could move even higher. 

13. (3), Jesse Millson, 12th – Trinity Prep = Millson placed 5th at the Trinity Prep Invitational over the weekend. He ran 17:06, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say I think he is still a top 5 finisher in November.

14. (15), Alejandro Ruiz, 12th – Immokalee = Ruiz did not race last week. Ruiz still holds down a top 15 spot.

15. (NR), William Shine, 12th – Archbishop McCarthy = Shine went 17:04 this weekend to place 5th at the Park Vista Invitational. Shine ran a PR of 16:01 last cross country season at Footlocker. Having him on the list makes me feel better, but there is a chance Shine could not only medal but make 2A turn upside down up top.

16. (NR), Chase Rivera, 9th – Bolles = Another Bolles Freshmen Phenom, Rivera ran 17:01 at the Ridgeview Invitational to place 5th. What is crazier than his age is that this race is his only statistic on flrunners. If this kid’s first 5k ever is 17:01, expect special things.

17. (15), Trevor Foley, 10th – Hernando = Foley did not race last week. With a great freshmen year behind him, Foley will most certainly find himself in a top 15 scenario in the fall.

18. (18), Leonal Ochoa, 11th – Berkeley Prep = Ochoa did not race last week. However, Ochoa ran 17:45 at the Crusader Gallop 5k two weekends. He had a “runaway” victory with over a minute on the second place finisher.

19. (20), Jake Gilbert, 12th – Pine Crest = Gilbert did not race last week. It was hard to justify moving him down since his times are better than those below him. Hopefully we can see him and Pine Crest in action soon.

20. (NR), Alexander Bullock, 12th – West Florida Tech = Bullock placed 2nd over the weekend at the Pace Invitational. With a time of 17:15, Bullock is looking for one good push to go top 20.

21. (24), Anderson Bobo, 12th – Lake Highland Prep = With a 17:17 and 18th place finish to start the 2015 season, Bobo is setting himself up for a good senior year. It could end the perfect way with a top 20 finish.

22. (NR), Daniel Dean, 12th – Middleton = Dean has claimed lopsided victories to start the season with both of them being by 25 seconds. With a 17:26 season best, Dean will push for a top 20 once he sees bigger meets.

23. (NR), Brandon Williams, 12th  - Chaminade-Madonna College Prep = Williams placed 3rd at the TKA Lions Invitational in a time of 17:12. Williams made it to his first State Meet last fall and is looking to make it two in a row with a potential top 25 finish.

24. (NR), Troy Smith, 9th – Rockledge = Not to be confused with the former Buckeyes quarterback, Smith was impressive with his 9th place finish at the Wickham Park Jamboree. Finishing in 17:28, this was also his only statistic on flrunners. Another unheard of freshmen becoming heard and in the top 25.

25. (NR), James Hunter, 12th – Archbishop McCarthy = Part of that 1-2 punch, Hunter ran 17:20 to place 9th at the TKA Lions Invitational. With a strong first meet and a PR to start it off, Hunter will be eying a top 25 finish.

Notable name(s) left off:

    Sidney Perry did not run the first meet at Wickham Park, although his teammates did. It is possible that he had something else going on, but something to watch for in the weeks to come.

    Omar Figueroa ran 17:50 at the Riverdale Invitational this past weekend. While the time is pretty slow, he did place 9th and it appears he may have been doing some park running. This is someone to keep an eye on.

    All of the Satellite transfers are not going to be eligible for postseason meets this fall. As good as they may be, and obviously they are good, I think the best thing to do is to see how they progress through this season and through track to see if these guys can really take Satellite to new heights.

 

 

1A Girls Rankings

By: Mark Caulfield, Circle Christian School, [email protected]   

       
Team Rankings:

Commentary: We start this first poll looking at the Top 10 teams to begin 2015. Since some teams have not quite started their season yet, our first Poll with be a hybrid of first week results and pre-season projections. While Holy Trinity lost a number of athletes following the departure of their 20 time State Championship coach, the Top 3 remained and enough talent from a deep pool to hold onto the top spot going into 2015. They looked good opening up with a win at the Spikes and Spurs Meet las week. With a top 3 capable of finishing in the top 10 at State, that is a great place to start building a champion.  Last year’s runner-up Oak Hall has the talent, depth and experience to win it all as well. They return all 7 from last year’s team in addition to a top returner from their 2013 State Runner Up team.  The Eagles started 2015 slowly though finishing 3rd at the Jim Ryun Invitational just behind fellow Class 1A Circle Christian School and just ahead of the First Academy (Orlando). But with so much talent and a rich history of success, it is just a matter of time until fitness catches up. The Maclay School, which finished 4th in last year’s State Championship, also returns all seven runners. The Mauraders have plenty of depth and will need it as 2 of their top 7 runners work through some early season injuries. As always though, the team will be there when it counts. Circle Christian School, with a solid summer of training and a nice mix of experience and talented youth, make perhaps the biggest jump in the poll following an impressive opener at the Jim Ryun Invitational. The First Academy (Orlando) has consistently been a top team. This year the Royals return 6 from last year’s 8th place team and adds a talented middle schooler to make a run at the Top 3. This year should be an epic battle for the championship. Good luck to all!

Rank. (Previous Rank) Team, Region = Comments

1. (NR), Holy Trinity, Region 3 = 2014 State Finish: 1st; Spikes and Spurs (1st / 20:43 avg. / 3:22 split).

2. (NR), Oak Hall, Region 2 = 2014 State Finish: 2nd; Jim Ryun Inv. (3rd / 21:44 / 2:29 split)

3. (NR), Maclay School, Region 1 =  2014 State Finish: 4th; Returns Top 7 /  Partial Team at Cougar XC.

4. (NR), Circle Christian, Region 3 = 2014 State Finish: 11th;  Jim Ryun Inv. (2nd / 21:52 avg. / 1:31 split)

5. (NR), First Academy, Region 3 = 2014 State Finish: 8th; Jim Ryun Inv. (3rd / 22:05 avg. / 1:26 split)

6. (NR), Bishop Snyder, Region 1 = 2014 State Finish: 18th (2A); Bob Hans (4th / 22:17 avg, / 1:48 split)

7. (NR), Community School, Region 2 = 2014 State Finish: 6th; Riverdale Inv. (3rd / 21:57 avg. / 5:15 split)

8. (NR), Westminster Christian, Region 4 = 2014 State Finish: 5th; Park Vista (3rd / 23:10 avg. / 1:56 split)

9. (NR), Calvary Christian, Region 3 = 2014 State Finish: 7th; Returns Top 6 / Ran at Jim Ryun without Top 2

10. (NR), Miami Country Day, Region 4 = 2014 State Finish: 19th;  TKA Inv. (2nd / 23:08 avg. / 1:29 split)

Early Watch List:

 

St. Johns Country Day (Region 1); Providence School (Region 1); Benjamin School (Region 3); Boca Raton Christian (Region 4); The Kings Academy (Region 3); Shorecrest Prep (Region 2);  Father Lopez (Region 3)


Individual Rankings:

Commentary: In Class 1A State Competition there has not been a girl runner under 18:00 since 2010. In addition there has never been a year where Class 1A has put more than 3 girl runners under 18:00. This year one or both of those may fall. Freshman Rebecca Clark of Mount Dora Christian heads a strong and talented group into the 2015 season. Clark is the reigning State Cross Country Runner-up and was also Runner-up in Track in the 3200m. With 5 time State Champion Sarah Candiano now graduated, the door opens for a new champion. With an 18:29 cross country best from 2014 and a 10:57 PR in track for the 3200m, Clark seems poised to pursue the title. She opened up the 2015 season with an impressive 18:24 personal best at the Deland Invitational. Behind Clark there is a strong field of talented athletes capable of pushing one another toward fast times and potential state titles  lead by Senior Shelby Smith of Holy Trinity who boasts the fastest returning time of 18:05. She is followed by fellow Senior Hannah Brookover of Calvary Christian (Clearwater) who holds an 18:19 personal best and a 10:47 PR for 3200m on the Track. These three finished 2-3-4 last year at the State Cross Country Championship and look to continue that battle for the top spot now. Chief contenders looking to get in the mix include talented 8th grader Maya Espinosa of Baker High School (18:48), Sophomore Grace Blair of Oak Hall (18:49), Senior Lindsay Tomaini of Community School of Naples (19:07), Samantha Folio of Holy Trinity (19:19), and Caroline Willis of Maclay School (19:19).

 

This year could shape up as a classic for the girls. Good luck to all!

 

Rank. (Previous Rank) Name, Grade – Team = Time / Comments

1. (NR), Rebecca Clark, 9th, Mount Dora Christian = 2014 State Finish: 2nd; 18:24 (2nd) at Deland Inv.

2. (NR), Shelby Smith, 12th, Holy Trinity  = 2014 State Finish: 3rd; 19:30 (2nd) at Spikes & Spurs.

3. (NR), Hannah Brookover, 12th, Calvary Christian = 2014 State Finish: 4th; No 2015 Results; 18:19 PR (2014)

4. (NR), Lindsay Tomaini, 12th, Community School = 2014 State Finish: 8th; 19:27 (2nd) at Riverdale Inv.

5. (NR), Grace Blair, 10th, Oak Hall = 2014 State Finish: 6th; 20:14 (1st) at Jim Ryun Inv.

6. (NR), Samantha Folio, 11th, Holy Trinity = 2014 State Finish: 10th; 19:40 (2nd) at Warrior Jamboree.

7. (NR), Caroline Willis, 11th, Maclay School = 2014 State Finish: 9th; 20:15 (1st) at Cougar XC Inv.

8. (NR), Maya Espinosa, 8th, Baker School = 2014 State Finish: 5th; No 2015 Results; 18:48 PR (2014)

9. (NR), Sydney Smith, 12th, Holy Trinity Academy = 2014 State Finish: 19th; 20:16 (9th) at Spikes & Spurs.

10. (NR), Olivia Rovin, 11th, Shorecrest Prep = 2014 State Finish: 13th; 20:44 (5th) at Jim Ryun Inv.

11. (NR), Jasmine Hinapie, 8th, Boca Raton Christian = 2014 State Finish: 17th; 20:38 (1st) at Park Vista Inv. 

12. (NR), Sophie Barry, 12th, Community School = 2014 State Finish: 14th; 20:48 (3rd) at Riverdale Inv.

13. (NR), Kaytlyn Buschman, 10th, Pensacola Christian = 2014 State Finish: 36th; 20:37 (4th) at Pace Inv.

14. (NR) Karah Hammontree, 12th Circle Christian = 2014 State Finish: 68th; 20:49 (7th) at Jim Ryun Inv.

15. (NR), Lindsey Rosenberg, 9th, Oak Hall = 2014 State Finish: 37th; 21:14 (12th) at Jim Ryun Inv.

16. (NR), Ekaterina Loshkareva, 12th Community School = 2014 State Finish: 40th; 21:00 (5th) at Riverdale Inv.

17. (NR), Kenzie Farrish, 11th, Holy Trinity Academy = 20:58 (19th) at Spikes and Spurs

18. (NR), Caroline Crist, 10th, First Academy = 2014 State Finish: 24th; 21:12 (5th) at Warrior Jamboree

19. (NR), Michaela Scurti, 12th, Bishop Snyder = 21:09 (9th) at Bob Hans Inv.

20. (NR), Marcella Perez, 11th, St. Francis HS = 2014 State Finish: 45th; 21:09 (10th) at Bob Hans Inv.

Early Watch List:

 

Brooke Santiesteban, 12th Calvary Christian (Clearwater); Natasha Stump, 11th, Westminster Christian; Aubrey Woods, 9th, Providence School; Lauren Perry, 11th, Oak Hall; Jaden Ault, 9th, Circle Christian School; Lindsay James, 7th, Maclay School; Sierra Oliveira, 8th, Evangelical Christian

 

1A Boys Rankings  

 

By: Mark Caulfield, Circle Christian School, [email protected]  
   

Team Rankings:

Commentary: After 4 straight State Championships from the Holy Trinity Tigers, there looks to be a “changing of the guard” this year in Class 1A for the boys. The Maclay School seems to be the team poised to pick up the mantel and run with it. The Marauders return all 7 from last year’s 5th place State Finals team and have even added a key member from their 2013 State Runner-up team who returns to Cross Country for his Senior year. They look strong, young, experienced and deep and Coach Droze always has them ready to compete. Their chief challenge looks to come from one of three teams; Father Lopez, Bishop Snyder, and Shorecrest Prep. Coach Sue O’Malley of Father Lopes has a strong and experienced team that could make a solid run at the podium. Bishop Snyder drops back down to Class 1A this season and brings with them a strong group that has started the season well with a 4th place finish at the Ridgeview Bob Hans Invitational. Shorecrest Prep who has finished 3rd (2013) and 4th (2014) at the State Championship returns most of the same team from both those squads. As a strong Senior team, they could be motivated to finish strong and finally make it to the podium. After that, only time will tell who else is going to step up. Lots of contenders. It should be fun to watch and see which teams rise up to make a run at the Top Ten. Good Luck to all. Should be exciting. 

Rank. (Previous Rank) Team, Region = Comments

1. (NR), Maclay School, Region 1 = 2014 State Finish: 5th;   Cougar XC (2nd / 17:54 avg. / 2:05 split)

2. (NR), Father Lopez, Region 3 = 2014 State Finish: 10th;  Jim Ryun Inv. (3rd / 18:20 avg. / 1:01 split)

3. (NR), Bishop Snyder, Region 1 =  2014 State Finish: 17th (2A);  Bob Hans Inv. (4th / 18:21 avg. / 2:47 split)

4. (NR), Shorecrest Prep, Region 2 = 2014 State Finish: 4th;  Jim Ryun Inv. (7th / 19:02 avg. / 2:47 split)

5. (NR), Pensacola Christian, Region 1 = 2014 State Finish: 13th; Pace Inv. (5th / 19:23 avg. / 3:18 split)

6. (NR), St. Johns Country Day School, Region 1 = 2014 State Finish: 15th; Returns 5 / No 2015 Results

7. (NR), Westminster Academy, Region 4 = 2014 State Finish: 7th;  TKA Inv. (2nd / 19:22 avg. / 2:56 split)

8. (NR), Cardinal Mooney, Region 2 = Lemon Bay Inv. (8th / 19:47 avg. / 2:11 split)

9. (NR), Harvest Community School, Region 1 = Bob Hans Inv. (8th / 20:03 avg. / 1:01 split)

10. (NR), St. Francis Catholic HS, Region 2 = Bob Hans Inv. (9th / 20:14 avg. / 2:30 split)

Early Watch List:

 

First Baptist Academy (Region 2); Benjamin School (Region 3); St. Stephens Episcopal School (Region 2); Coral Springs Christian (Region 4); South Florida Heat (Region 4); First Academy – Orlando (Region 3)


Individual Rankings:

Commentary: The Boys Class 1A it is WIDE OPEN for individuals. With 15 of the top 20 finishers from the 2014 State Cross Country Championships having either graduated or transferred to larger schools leaves rich opportunities for new talent to emerge.  Only one athlete returns that finished in the top 10 last season, Senior Noah Perkins. Perkins looks talented and hungry enough to take up the throne left from 6 time State Champion Franco Martins. His 4th place (16:09) finish from last year along with an impressive 9:23 runner up finish in the State 3200 Meter Finals makes him the guy to catch as we start the 2015 season. Coming off a solid summer, Perkins opened up with an impressive 48 second win in 16:26 on the moderate tract at Holloway Park at the Jim Ryun Invitational. The top challenger for Perkins could come from young and talented Sophomore Ryan Szklany who finished 22nd in last year’s Cross Country Finals (16:55) and then exploded on to the scene in the State Track & Field 3200m Finals when he made a 25 second PR to grab 3rd place in 9:46. Other strong contenders include Seniors Luke Pederson of Shorecrest Prep and Tucker Hindle of Boca Raton Christian. Pederson will be looking to make his 6th trip to the State Finals and has put together a great summer of training and looks hungry for a run to the top opening the season with a runner up spot to Perkins at the Jim Ryun Invitational (17:14). Hindle had a strong showing at the State Cross Country Finals last season narrowly missing a top 10 podium spot with his 11th place finish in a personal best 16:28. He followed that up with a 9:53 7th place finish in the State Track and Field 3200m Run. After the top 5 the field opens up big and wide for many to make a run to the podium this year. Good luck to all the Class 1A Teams. Should be an exciting year.

Rank. (Previous Rank) Name, Grade – Team = Time / Comments

1. (NR), Noah Perkins, 12th; Seffner Christian = 2014 State Finish: 4th; 16:26 (1st) at Jim Ryun Inv.

2. (NR), Ryan Szklany, 10th, Highlands Christian = 2014 State Finish: 22nd; 16:54 (2nd) at TKA Inv. 

3. (NR), Luke Peterson, 12th, Shorecrest Prep = 2014 State Finish: 17:14 (12th) at Jim Ryun Inv.

4. (NR), Tucker Hindle, 12th, Boca Raton Christian = 2014 State Finish: 11th; 16:58 (4th) at Park Vista.

5. (NR), Jonas Elliott, 11th, Evangelical Christian = 2014 State Finish: 16th; 17:19 (4th) at Riverdale Inv.

6. (NR), Guilherme Pereira, 12th, Divine Savior = 2014 State Finish: 14th ; No 2015 Results; 16:41 PR (2014)

7. (NR), Jack Pironti, 10th, Carrollwood Day = 2014 State Finish: 21st; No 2015 Results; 16:31 PR (2014)

8. (NR), Jake Mazziotta, 11th, Maclay School = 2014 State Finish: 29th;  17:16 (4th) at Cougar XC

9. (NR), Justin Nunamaker, 11th, Northside Christian = 2014 State Finish: 23rd; 17:36 (7th) at Jim Ryun Inv.

10. (NR), Clayburn Milford, 9th, Maclay School = 17:25 (6th) at Cougar XC; 2014 Middle School CC Champ.

11. (NR), Hunter McCann, 12th, Admiral Farragut = 2014 State Finish: 27th; No 2015 Results; 16:22 PR (2014)

11. (NR), Gabriel Curtis, 9th, Mount Dora Christian = 2014 State Finish: 40th; 17:18 (9th) at Deland Inv.

12. (NR), Jackson Neri, 12th, Bishop Snyder = 2014 State Finish: 48th; 17:01 (4th) at Bob Hans Inv.

13. (NR), Josh Skielnik, 10th, Jupiter Christian = 2014 State Finish: 47th; 17:10 at Benjamin Inv.

14. (NR), Timothy Stewart, 11th, Pensacola Christian = 2014 State Finish: 38th; 17:25 (3rd) at Pace Inv.

15. (NR), Kyle Lantz, 12th, Sarasota Christian = 17:28 (7th) at Lemon Bay; Ohio Transfer with 16:31 PR.

16. (NR), James McClure, 10th, Maclay School = 2014 State Finish: 42nd; 17:38 (9th) at Cougar XC

17. (NR), George Gwynn, 12th, Maclay School = 2014 State Finish: 25th; 17:51 (10th) at Cougar XS

18. (NR), Nick Theriault, 12th, Father Lopez = 17:53 (14th) at Jim Ryun Inv.

19. (NR), Noah Van Der Burgt, 11th, Father Lopez = 2014 State Finish: 54th; 17:55 (15th) at Jim Ryun Inv.

20. (NR), Drew De Armas, 11th, First Academy (Orlando) = 2014 State Finish: 26th; 17:57 (4th) at Warrior Run