Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Gray proves she can take the heat

By LARRY BUGG
Published October 4, 2005

Anna Gray wasn't about to let a little thing like 90-degree weather keep her from running Saturday.

The Hernando junior took 20th in the 5K Varsity Open. Gray clocked in at 21:53 at Little Everglades Ranch, helping her squad place ninth among 24 teams.

"I did really good considering it's really hot outside," Gray said.

"It was not my best. I was having a little problem breathing," she said. "I have exercise-induced (asthma)."

Following for the Leopards were Emily Stephens , a freshman, 28th, 22:25; senior Danielle Coopman , 47th, 22:58; Erica Roessler , 68th, 23:35; and Kai tlynn Royal , 109th, 25:09.

"The times are slow, but it's excruciatingly hot," coach Erin Sullivan said. "I'm pleased. They all stuck in there."

Hernando, including the boys team, ran on the course that will be used for the state meet in November.

Girls

NATURE COAST TECH: Lilly Andrade ran 25:44 (127th) and Cheltsie Spencer 28:12 (153rd) in the Varsity Open.

"I thought they did a very good job, considering the heat and the (hilly) course," coach Kristin Peeples said.

Boys

HERNANDO: Ben Martucci ran with the "big boys" Saturday, taking 10th in the Flrunners.com Race of Champions.

The junior posted 15:56 but felt the heat was tough.

Trailing for the Leopards were Jacob Bess (33rd, 16:38), Andrew Martucci (62nd, 17:02), Robert Sudduth (112th, 18:11) and Tyler Baldwin (144th, 19:12).

"We had a real improvement," coach Ernie Chatman said. "Tyler improved his time. Five guys really ran well.

"The heat took a toll on some," Chatman said. "Overall, I think we had a pretty good day. At this point, you have to be pleased with the way we ran, time-wise. We run on hills all the time."

Hernando was 12th in a field that included always-powerful Tampa Jesuit High.

NATURE COAST: Alex Mason ran 20:26 and David Garton 22:18 on Saturday at the Flrunners.com race.

[Last modified October 4, 2005, 02:15:30]