Lighting up the night

The "stars" will be out for this weekend's one-of-a-kind meet.

By JOE SMITH
Published September 26, 2007

TAMPA - For years, longtime Leto cross country coach Bob Ennis wanted to bring a mega-meet to the bay area.

Little did he know he would also be putting on a show.

In one of the year's premier - and most unique - meets, some of the state's top runners will converge at Ed Radice on Saturday night on a course lit by tiki torches and Christmas lights.

With a drumline playing in the background, the real "stars" of Southern Stars will be the star-studded field. Of the 13 boys runners who have broken 16:20 this season, 10 will compete at 8:15 p.m.

That means two of the bay area's top runners - Jesuit junior Connor Revord and Sickles junior Derek Wehunt - will do far more chasing than cruising.

"It's pretty much the same level (as Flrunners Meet) from an individual and team perspective," Revord said of Southern Stars. "Everyone from the state is going to be there, and everyone is coming after us."

If you go

Saturday, 4-10 p.m., Ed Radice Park

Tickets: First JV race is at 4 p.m. Free admission. Parking ($5) is limited so come early.

Races to watch

Girls Prime Time, 7 p.m.

Plant, one of the county's top teams, should be a local favorite. But don't count out Newsome.

Boys Prime Time, 7:25 p.m.

Wharton's boys, led by Grellner, could make some noise. Gaither senior Brooks Wells is having a career-year.

Girls "Stars," 7:45 p.m.

Twelve of the top-20 teams (in all divisions) will compete in likely the fastest 5K of the year.

Boys "Stars," 8:15 p.m.

Can Jesuit, with its top seven under 17:05, upset Miami Columbus?

Fun facts

- Besides tiki torches and Christmas lights, the festive race could also be lit by nearby fireworks. You never know.

- Blake student B.K. Jackson, 16, a noted saxophonist, will perform at the Awards Show (8:30 p.m.). "He's amazing," Leto coach Bob Ennis said. "It's like watching Stevie Wonder out there."

- The meet's primary meat? Barbecue!

Times Fab Five

Boys:

1. Jesuit

2. Plant

3. Berkeley Prep

4. Sickles

5. Wharton

Girls:

1. Berkeley Prep

2. Wharton

3. Plant

4. Newsome

5. Sickles

Top boys runners to watch

Richard Blake, Sr., Berkeley Prep

The Bucs' No. 1 runner has been right behind the top tandem of Revord and Wehunt.

Mark Parrish, So., Chamberlain

A guitarist and windsurfer, Parrish is also a pretty good runner, breaking 16 minutes (15:58) in June.

John Grellner, Jr., Wharton

A top-10 finish at FSU Invite latest in impressive season for Wildcat.

Trenor Wilkins, So., Plant

Combines with Duncan Hock for a formidable 1-2 tandem.

Out of towners

Joe Franklin, Godby High

Favorite for the boys Stars race, the current state 1600M record holder is undefeated this season, having already run a 15:32.

Top girls runners to watch

Katrina Skinner, Sr. Wharton

Skinner's eyes were swollen shut Saturday due to allergies, but after missing FSU Invite the county's top runner will be ready to rebound.

Page Price, Sr., Berkeley Prep

A big reason the Bucs are cream of the county crop.

Amanda Newby, Sr.Sickles

Sparked Gryphons to impressive win at Gator Invite.

Madison Clark, Sr., Plant

Will make Panthers a team to watch in the Prime Time race, just before the Stars.

Out of towners

Ashley Brasovan, Wellington

Ranked No. 1 in the South region with a best time of 17:10. Not many come close.

[Last modified September 25, 2007, 23:02:55]