Preps

Cross Country: Mustang gets push, takes second

By Doug Kates
Published November 2, 2007

The shouts were directed at Rebecca "Spooky" Eaves of Lakeland Christian School, who not only won Thursday afternoon, but inspired a lot of runners behind her.

"It was really hot and windy, and I just tried to stay behind 'Spooky' as long as I could," said second-place finisher Katelyn Greenleaf of Northside Christian. "I was going to try to stay right behind her.

"I think I did my best."

Eaves crossed the finished line in 19 minutes and 30 seconds. Greenleaf was 34 seconds back, and Hannah Palm of Keswick Christian was 35 seconds back.

"My coach warned me there were very fast people here," Palm said. "He said Lakeland is very good and I didn't have to worry about them, but if I could, try to catch them."

Palm said she was happy with third.

Lakeland Christian girls took first place, followed by Keswick Christian and Berkeley Prep.

In the boys race, Richard Blake (16:40) and Tyler Greathouse (17:23), both of Berkeley Prep, took first and second, respectively. Shorecrest's Stephen Spanos was second with about 10 steps to the finish line but was passed and had to settle for third.

Spanos, however, wasn't upset.

"I knew (Greathouse) was close, but I didn't know he was that close at the end," he said. "I'm not disappointed. It was a good race."

Josh Johnson of Indian Rocks Christian was fourth.

In the team standings, Berkeley Prep won the title followed by Shorecrest Prep and Tampa Prep.

[Last modified November 2, 2007, 00:27:40]