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Citrus looks to Farrington for leadership

By LARRY BUGG
Published September 9, 2005

First-year Citrus boys coach Chris Moling is grateful that Nick Farrington wears the colors of the Hurricanes.

"My team is in a building scenario with the exception of Nick Farrington," Moling said. "I am encouraged because we have guys with great potential. I think we have good hearts and good talent.

" Bruce Nelson created a dynasty with the guys he had, like (former state champion and University of Florida runner) Corey Presnick," Moling said. ... "It's a young and new program."

Farrington produced a 17:52 performance in the Red Mule Run. He ran despite having upper respiratory problems. His personal record is 16:56.

CITRUS GIRLS: The 'Canes basically have "a new team," coach Tracy Buettner said. "I have one girl with experience, Janea Fowler, a senior. I have five that have never run before." Citrus ran at the Red Mule, and Whitney Martin stayed right with Fowler.CRYSTAL RIVER BOYS: Brennan McNally has taken over as the Pirates' top runner. "He is getting in shape," coach Tim Byrne said. Mike Rabold is surprising him, challenging for one of the top three spots.

All of the Citrus County squads will be in action Saturday for the 8 a.m. Land O' Lakes Invitational at Crews Lake Park. They likely are to see most of the teams from Hernando and Pasco counties and possibly some from Hillsborough County.

CRYSTAL RIVER GIRLS: "We had some girls on varsity last year - Danielle Dixon, Lori Carter, Sasha Jaquith and Ashton O'Steen," coach Lisa Carter said. "I am working with them to get a good team group. I expect this group to do better than last year." O'Steen is coming along strong. A season ago, Dixon and Jaquith were freshmen. They ran track and over the summer. "I expect their times to go down," Carter said. "Many of the new girls ran the Red Mule Run, and that was their first race ever."

LECANTO GIRLS: Coach Dan Epstein said Taylor Cooke has overcome stress fractures in both legs. She was the top female finisher in the Crystal River Sprint Labor Day Triathlon. Senior Tara Haddock is stronger and in good shape, recording a 21:25 performance in the Red Mule. Jillian Swartz (22:48) is a solid No. 3. Nicole Bruno had a personal-record 23:19 at Red Mule, Chrissy Huxley ran 23:28, Kayla Valdez logged 24:04 and Carolyn Bonadonna posted 24:37.

Expect tight pack runs from the Panthers. They were third in the Class 2A state meet last year and finished two points ahead of Hernando. FLRunners.com rates Lecanto eighth in 2A. The Panthers had the strongest finish among public schools in the class. SEVEN RIVERS CHRISTIAN: Paige Cooke is off to a strong start, said coach Kerri Kitchen. "She ran her best time at the Red Mule 5K Run." Youthful Seven Rivers will have its first test Saturday in the Land O' Lakes Invitational.

[Last modified September 9, 2005, 01:18:20]