New coach leads 'Cats

By THOMAS SIMONETTI
Published August 17, 2005

TAMPA - Wharton's boys cross country team will be treading new terrain this season.

The biggest change to last year's Class 3A, District 4 champion is at the top. Former assistant coach Clarence Williams takes over as coach after Jason Tyrell left the program.

Wharton girls coach Wes Newton, who coached both boys and girls teams two years ago, said Williams has filled in well so far.

"He is familiar with the kids and he's familiar with our style of coaching," Newton said.

Williams brings some running experience of his own. He ran for the track and cross country teams at Delaware Valley State. In high school, Williams ran for Jacksonville Wolfson.

"I'm here for the long haul," Williams said. "I'm ready to win. I'm excited. I want to make a statement my first year with these kids."

Wharton won in a very competitive district last season. At the district meet, only six points separated the Wildcats from Brandon and Plant. This year, Wharton is in a new district along with Freedom, which is the only other Hillsborough county school.

Wharton returns top runner Ryan Courtoy. Last season, the senior finished second in the district and sixth in the region. Junior Baker Burchfield and senior Sadat Kahin, along with Courtoy, are Wharton's leaders.

The Wildcats lose two of their top five runners and must look to some underclassman to fill in.

"Courtoy is the top dog right now," Williams said. "We've also got some young runners that are going to fill some big shoes."

CLASS 2A: Jesuit dominated the competition last season all the way to a state championship and should have a strong team again.

The Tigers lose standout Andy Biladeau, who finished second in the state, but Jesuit returns four of the top six finishers from last year's region meet.

Seniors James Osborne and Phillip Scrivner return after solid showings at the state meet. Osborne finished sixth and Scrivner came in 15th.

[Last modified August 17, 2005, 01:10:12]