Hillsborough: Cross Country Preview

By JOESMITH
Published September 5, 2007

Blink, and you might miss Chamberlain sophomore Mark Parrish.

Parrish, one of the top runners in the county, rarely sits still in his spare time. If he's not windsurfing or playing his classical guitar, Parrish is working on an Eagle Scout project or his latest aeronautical invention.

He is part of the county's fastest crop of elite boys runners that longtime coach Mike Boza has seen in years. There are seven area runners capable of breaking the 16-minute barrier.

"Wow, that's extraordinary," said Boza, Plant's boys coach. "If they had an all-Hillsborough team, they could be a national power."

Plant senior Brigithe Moreno, the defending Class 3A champ and Times runner of the year, has decided not to run cross country this season.

Moreno, who felt burned out during track season, ran just 9 miles in a three-month stretch this summer, and didn't feel like she was in good enough shape to compete.

The absence of Moreno, the only county runner to break 18 minutes last season, leaves a wide-open field.

Boys to watch

Derek Wehunt, Sickles, Jr.
The 2006 Times' runner of the year joins brother Dan and Ciprian Mejia for the state's toughest top three.

Connor Revord, Jesuit, Jr.
Won 2A district and region titles last season; this summer he clocked a 15:43 for arguably the state's deepest team (top-five average 16:39).

Ciprian Mejia, Sickles, Sr.
Led Gryphons to region title with third-place finish. Nursing a foot injury, which could keep him out of the first couple meets.

Richard Blake, Berkeley Prep, Sr.
Fifth at Class A meet; led Bucs to fourth-place finish. With sophomore Tyler Greathouse, they're a terrific tandem.

Mark Parrish, Chamberlain, So.
Primed for a breakout season, Parrish ran a personal-best 15:58 in early June.

Girls to watch

Katrina Skinner, Wharton, Sr.
District champ placed 11th at 3A meet last year.

Kathia Skinner, Wharton, Sr.
Coming off a strong season in which she placed third at regionals and 17th at the 3A state meet.

Page Price, Berkeley Prep, Sr.
Broke 20 minutes (19:55.78) at flrunners.com Invitational last season.

Madison Clark, Plant, Sr.
Took ninth at regions last season; with Moreno and Carly Quick gone, she'll have to pick up the pace.

Alyssa Franks, Freedom, Jr.
Took seventh (21:14) in recent Sunset 5K at Ed Radice.

[Last modified September 4, 2007, 22:41:48]