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Transfer allows 'Canes to make a run at elite
By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer INVERNESS -- Because the Citrus boys return four key runners from last season, Hurricanes coach Bruce Nelson thought his team could compete for another top-10 finish at state. But now, Nelson is thinking big. With the recent addition of sophomore Kyle Helt, a transfer from Lecanto, Citrus might have the numbers to challenge for the school's first state title. "It's a significant transfer," Nelson said. Helt was the Panthers' top runner in 2001. He finished 14th (17 minutes, 17 seconds) in the Class 2A, District 3 meet at Whispering Pines Park, where he posted the second-best time among ninth-graders. Helt was an All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference selection. "He was very good at Lecanto last year," Nelson said. "We watched him run a lot, and he was the No. 1 kid there. He loves the sport, he works hard, he's real positive and real enthusiastic. I've been lucky because I've gotten a lot of kids like that." Citrus was seventh at state last year and fourth in 2000. Tony Lyons, last season's Times All-Citrus/Hernando Runner of the Year, is a senior. D.J. Carella, James Lopiccolo and Justin Macdonald are the Hurricanes' other top returnees. Senior Matt Baum did not compete last season, but likely will be in the No. 2 position. "I think (Helt) really adds to the mix and gives us the depth we need to be real competitive," Nelson said. "That extra number really helps. We're looking at (a top-five finish at state). And if everything falls right, we could compete for the top spot." Helt is zoned for Citrus. He attended Lecanto last year because of the school's art program. "It's just a whole lot easier to get to Citrus," Helt said. "It's kind of hard losing all your friends, but I can always make new friends. And I knew some people (at Citrus) already." Helt recently began training with his new teammates, and attended a camp in North Carolina with them two weeks ago. Official practice begins Monday, when classes start. "It's great that I have somebody to run with," Helt said. "The other team was great, but this is a state championship type of team. I have somebody to push off of, and it's more of a challenge. It's like a race every day in practice. I like to be the best, but it's really going to help me to not be the best any more." -- Keith Niebuhr can be reached at 860-7337 or niebuhr@sptimes.com.
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