Wildcats seek one last step

Wharton looks to take advantage as the team in their way of a state title in 2004 has moved up.

By THOMAS SIMONETTI
Published August 17, 2005

TAMPA - Optimism reigns on Wharton's girls cross country team.

The Wildcats were second at last year's Class 3A state meet and have a title on their minds this year.

"This is going to be our best team," senior Kristin Galbraith said. "We have such a strong core group of girls."

Another thing the team is happy about is that Miami Our Lady of Lourdes, last year's state champions, moved up to 4A.

"It pretty much leaves first wide open," senior Jessica Forrester said.

The Wildcats will first have to get through a competitive region. Wharton's biggest test will come from Plant, which edged Wharton in the district and region tournaments last season. The Wildcats had the final word though, finishing a spot ahead of the Panthers at the state meet.

Wharton coach Wes Newton said the team will try to make up for the loss of last season's No. 2, 4, and 5 runners.

"We're trying to regain our form," Newton said. "I think we'll be very close."

Forrester, last season's top runner, returns for her final season. A year ago she finished fourth at districts, second at region and eighth at state. She wants to improve this season.

"I've matured a lot as a runner," Forrester said.

Other starters this season will be Tiffanie Saxton, Galbraith's sister Lauren, and Jessica Wooden. The No. 6 and No. 7 spots will be determined from a handful of others, Newton said.

Wharton's first official action is Sept. 9 at the USF/Gaither Invitational. This Friday the team will run unofficially at the USF Twilight 5K road race.

"We're better than we ever were before and we're going to keep getting better," Saxton said.

The Times Hillsborough County runner of the year last season, Brigithe Moreno of Plant, returns for her sophomore season. Moreno won district and region titles and placed third at state.

CLASS 4A: Senior Amanda Quick of Gaither returns after finishing fifth at state last season. Gaither looks to improve on third place at the district meet, just ahead of Bloomingdale in fourth.

CLASS 2A: The Academy of the Holy Names finished sixth in the state last season but lost standout Sara Petrick, who finished fifth in the state. Academy won its district and region last season. Academy's top returner is Aileen Fletcher, who finished third in the region.

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