Palm Harbor University girls coach John Planamenta knew he had a team that could compete on a statewide level, but he didn't know how good it really was until it won the Class 4A, Region 2 championship Thursday at Seminole High.
Planamenta knew he had talent, he just didn't know how much.
"We knew we had a few girls who could win (Thursday) and qualify for state, but we also had some really unexpected surprises," he said. "We had kids who we didn't know could win at this level."
In the boys' events, Doc Marshall of Gaither dominated the meet, held in a steady rain. Marshall won the 100, the 200, and was part of the team that won the 4x100 relay. Not bad for a runner who just started two years ago.
"Last year was my first year running," Marshall said. "I just came in today ready to run."
But even that performance wasn't enough to get his team into the top four to qualify for state. Lely won the meet, followed by Bradenton Lakewood Ranch, Pinellas Park and Riverview.
Among the surprises for the Palm Harbor girls were Shanitia Blackmon, who finished third in the 100-meter hurdles, and Stephanie Rancich, third in the 800-meter run. Both results were unexpected and helped the Hurricanes claim their first-ever region title. Because Palm Harbor also had just one competitor in the field events, it was a matter of rallying from behind.
Courtney LaCroix won her fourth straight region title with her victory in the high jump, and Kerrie Savery led Palm Harbor with a win in the 800, while Lauren McNary won the 400 by more than two seconds.
Seminole sophomore Leah Hatfield won the 300-meter hurdles in her first try in regionals.
"It felt great," Hatfield said. "I worked really hard for it and I'm optimistic about my chances at states."
