Knight not satisfied

NEW PORT RICHEY -- River Ridge's John Gilmore has been the county's fastest man for two years. But it wasn't enough then. It isn't enough now.

This year, Gilmore wants to be one of the fastest men in the state.

The senior isn't that far off; qualifying for the 100-meters in the state's toughest classification the past two seasons puts him in elite company. But the Times 2001 Track Athlete of the Year has never placed at a state meet.

"That's what I really want this season," said Gilmore, who is in Lakeland at the state wrestling meet. "It just seems I've been injured every time we get to states. I get these shin splints every time and it just hurts when I run."

To alleviate that condition, new Royal Knights coach Erik Hermansen will have Gilmore taking better care of his legs, and has changed his top sprinter's events to help him develop better. Gilmore will no longer run the anchor leg of the 4x100 relay, instead competing in the 400.

"By running the 400 it will make his endurance faster and better, his strength through the curves will be improved for the 200, and he's obviously going to be a lot stronger for the 100," Hermansen said.

Gilmore has the talent. His best hand time is 10.72 seconds. His best computer time is 10.77, and he hasn't lost a 100 or 200 in the county in two years.

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