Preps

Cross country: Sickles focused on strong finish

By JOE SMITH
Published November 16, 2007

TAMPA - With every step, Sickles senior Ciprian Mejia is running through pain.

The Gryphons standout has suffered from plantar fasciitis since the summer, forcing him to miss a month of training.

"I still haven't gotten over it," Mejia said. "I try not to think about it."

What the Gryphons have thought about is bouncing back from last year's disappointing finish at the state meet (seventh with 287 points). They were ranked near the top all year long but couldn't put it together in Dade City.

Mejia, a political science buff teammates call "Stretch," was Sickles' shining star that day (ninth, 16:30). But ever since, he hasn't minded playing a steady No. 2 behind reigning Times runner of the year Derek Wehunt.

The team has flied under the radar a bit because of a slow start, but Mejia feels it is peaking at the right time.

Hopefully, he said, it'll show at the finish line at Saturday's state meet.

"We are definitely more focused," Mejia said. "We've been hungry ever since last year."

State title contenders

Connor Revord, Jesuit, Jr. (Class 2A)

Revord has won several big meets, including Southern Stars and flrunners.com - not to mention district and regional.

Richard Blake, Berkeley Prep, Sr. (Class A)

The Bucs star typically runs well in the bigger races. A top-three finish isn't out of the question.

Jesuit (Class 2A)

The Tigers have beat some of the state's best - in all classifications - in big meets this year. They placed second at regions but have the horses - and depth - to bring home a state title

Plant boys

The Panthers, led by first-year coach Mike Boza, would need a perfect race, but they've been arguably one of the county's most improved teams from the season's start.

Individuals to watch

Katrina Skinner, Wharton, Sr.

She has been the county's top girls runner all year and is capable of a top-five finish.

Mark Parrish, Chamberlain, So.

Parrish's team didn't make it, but by breaking 16, he could leave his mark as an all-state runner.

Drew Woodke, Brandon, Sr.

The two-time district champ is a great finisher.

Derek Wehunt, Sickles, Jr.

He should be a lock for a top-five finish but might need the race of his life to beat Melbourne's Brian Atkinson.

Take two

Connor Revord, Jesuit junior

One of the county's premier runners, Revord has sparked the Tigers' state domination for most of the season, including wins at the prestigious Southern Stars and flrunners.com. When he's not running, Revord loves fantasy football and hunting.

Favorite TV show: SportsCenter

Favorite movie: SuperBad

Toughest course: Little Everglades Ranch (state course)

People tell me I look like: Lance Armstrong

Favorite College: Oregon

Michaela Kennedy, Plant sophomore

The move-in from Virginia has split time between running and soccer, her "passion." But she's no slouch on the course, winning the district title and putting Plant in position for a potential top-three finish at state. Kennedy, who has lived in several states because of her father's government job, has enjoyed playing the violin - "But now I don't have time."

Favorite type of book: Mystery

Favorite actor: Robin Williams

Biggest Florida adjustment: The humidity

Ideal career: Architect

Did you know? Kennedy's father worked for the Secret Service

[Last modified November 15, 2007, 23:59:52]