Coach: Time for Hernando to get down to business

BROOKSVILLE -- The Hernando girls cross country team used its first three races to see where it needed to improve.

Now, coach Sue Murphy says, it's time to start seeing results. After limbering up in open events the past month, the Leopards officially start the season Thursday in the Crystal River Invitational.

"We're looking for better things this week," Murphy said.

With Danielle Churchill and Katee Lukas coming off injuries and others running for the first time, Hernando used the Citrus Road Run, USF Twilight 5K and Red Mule Runners Labor Day 5K to gain experience, make adjustments and compare times against some of the state's top runners. "They were just to see where we stood, see what things we need to work on -- whether we need a little more endurance or a little more speed," Murphy said. "Of course, we need both."

Sophomore Leela Hadsock was the Leopards' speediest member in the Red Mule race. At 22 minutes, 47 seconds, she was the 19th female to cross the finish line.

Nicole Daughtry was 29th in 23:37, Kristie Morrill 55th in 27:20, Kacie Mang 69th in 29:41, Cookie Graham 70th in 29:54 and Hannah Kling 77th in 32:52.

Hernando was without Lukas, who sustained a stress fracture in her foot early in the summer, and Churchill, who had another commitment. Murphy's daughter, Meghan, was unable to finish after experiencing problems with asthma.

"Since the first (race), we've been getting progressively faster," Murphy said.

"They're realizing they've got a whole lot of energy left at the end when they could have used that," she said. They're realizing they have more than they think they have."

Murphy saw the most improvement from Daughtry, who trimmed two minutes from her performance in the Twilight Run. Hadsock cut one minute from her time.

Churchill and Lukas are expected back for the Crystal River race, giving the Leopards a full complement of runners for the first time this season.

"We're hoping to score, instead of six or sevens, at least top five," Murphy said. "That'll be real nice."

The Hernando boys hope to improve on Saturday's showing.

Logan Emerson led the way for the Leopards in 17:21, 23rd overall, despite going out too quickly at the start in coach Ernie Chatman's estimation. Emerson was followed closely by Bret Chatman (17:32), who came within a second of his best time.

Phil Dysart, who has logged a lot of miles lately, placed 38th in 18:13. Zak Lukas was 49th in 18:46, though he "probably didn't run as well as he will," Ernie Chatman said.

Tommy Gaulin was 70th in 20:11, Jimmy Paynter 88th in 21:36, Eric Cipolla 91st in 21:43 and Sean Flood 121st in 24:22. Hernando was without Tommy Hessler, who was ill, and Michael Laird, who had a hamstring injury.

"It was good for them, good experience," Chatman said. "There were a massive number of people running, which is something they hadn't done before."

Hessler and Laird are expected back Thursday, when the Leopards will get an up-close look at Class 2A, District 3 opponents Citrus, Crystal River and Lecanto.

"This gives us a little understanding of where we are," Chatman said.

-- Frank Pastor can be reached at (800) 333-7505, ext. 1430.

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