Gators sophomore sets the pace

By DAVID MURPHY
Published October 28, 2006

BROOKSVILLE - Heading into the district meet at Central High on Friday evening, Felix Soto was hoping for a top 10 finish.

Maybe, if the running gods were kind enough to crack a smile, top 5.

"Before the race I heard about Wharton and all the other teams that were running," the Land O'Lakes sophomore said. "I was going to have some competition."

Soto did indeed have some competition, but none that could touch him as he won in 16:50.59, helping Land O'Lakes finish third in the team standings.

Soto and the Gators were one of three North Suncoast teams to qualify for regionals, joining Central, which finished fourth, and Ridgewood (fifth).

On the girls side, Wesley Chapel junior Kirsten Fee finished sixth, helping the Wildcats qualify for regionals. Gulf finished third to qualify, while Ridgewood finished one point ahead of River Ridge for the sixth and final spot.

Wharton junior Katrina Skinner placed first individually in 19:54.26.

But Soto was the story of the day. He finished five seconds ahead of Freedom senior Javier Beuzeville and was the only underclassman in the top five. Central's Shadi Toro, who placed 20th, was the only other sophomore in the top 20.

"It feels great," Soto said. "To win districts as a sophomore, it's a great feeling."

[Last modified October 28, 2006, 02:50:52]