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Short looks at distance teams
By TERRY JONES As summer begins to blend into fall, not much will change for the high school distance runners in north Tampa. Although the temperatures will slowly cool, the hot work of logging countless miles will continue drenching the athletes. Even with several coaching changes, Freedom High starting its inaugural season and Alonso beginning its second, the girls cross country season looks bright for north Tampa high schools. Area runners even have the luxury of practicing at the Ed Radice sports complex, where the state meet will be held. ALONSO: Jessica Allen returns with experience to run with the Ravens. She is a junior and the team leader. Junior Erica Maita is in her first year in the sport, but coach Dean Robertson said she is strong and could be quite an asset. Robertson started the school year coaching both the girls and boys teams, but Kim Koltveit was appointed to coach the girls as practice began in the second week of school. "If they all stick together, they could form one of the better teams in the county," Robertson said. CHAMBERLAIN: Chiefs coach Terry Crews did not respond to numerous phone calls to discuss the Chiefs lineup this season. FREEDOM: Amanda Ryan was given the nod to build a team and start a cross country program for the Patriots. "I can't single out any particular runner who will help us this first year," the coach said. "All of them are trying very hard, and I should know more about a lineup as we get into the season and have some races. First I want to see them get in a lot of miles and develop enough interest in the sport to help start a good program." GAITHER: Sophomore Heather Dickson finished 16th in the regional meet last year, and in the top 15 in the state championships in her first year in the sport. This year she starts out as the Cowboys' No. 1 runner and she is determined to make it to state by the time she's a junior. Also vying for the first seven spots on the team are junior Taryn Rose, sophomore Shilah Rose and seniors Kate Truesdale, Heidi Hohmann, Blair Speed and Sharon Neff. Cowboys coach Ladd Baldwin speaks highly of incoming freshman Amanda Quick, who he said can be an immediate help for the team. With a time of 18 minutes, 45 seconds, Quick was the overall female winner Aug. 17 in the University of South Florida 5K race. "We have a veteran team this year and they are all very athletic track girls," Baldwin said. "All of them worked very hard over the summer and could have a very good season." They are ranked number 14 for Class 4A. LETO: For nearly two decades, long distance running has attracted some of Leto's best athletes, and this could be another strong season for the Lady Falcons. Seniors Jessica Shepherd, Ruth Nalezynski and Raquel Toro are back with hopes of making their final year the best ever. Sophomore Debbie Stroupe is also a returning starter with talent to help get the team past regionals this season. "Jessica is an all around athlete who has worked hard all summer, running to have her best season yet," coach Stephanie Tate said. "Debbie is young but a good athlete also, and could help the team have its best season in years. We should know how things are going to go after a couple of meets." SICKLES: With experience and talent from the veterans and with new runners adding depth, the Gryphons could have one of the better teams in north Hillsborough and be a state contender. Last year, Lauren Ophaug was the first Sickles girl cross country runner to qualify for the state and she hopes to go back with her entire team this year. The senior is team captain this year. Seniors Sarah Hatcher, Yadira Batres and Lauren Anzelone are also back from last year's top seven runners. Gryphons head coach Dave Rittenour hopes to see his team make the state meet this season, and he has high expectations of that happening. "We have a good group of girls coming in and competing for the first seven slots this year," Rittenour said. "We don't have the depth of Plant (High) yet, but this year we do have depth and talent. If they work hard and stay healthy, they could make it to the state meet this year. I think they have a pretty good chance." WHARTON: Maybe the only thing more difficult than beating the Lady Wildcats in a distance footrace is spelling the names of some of the runners. According to coach Wes Newton, the Wildcats are deep and talented and should have a winning season. Back from last year are Victoria Michelotti, Minoo Mostifavifar, Marie Cevallos, Kristin Galbreath, Erica Garrish, Nicole Stanley, Courtney Clearwater and Alex Glock. "This team should be pretty good this season," Newton said. "By the end of the season it should be at least in the middle and maybe in the top third in the county."
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