Pinellas track: Not quite satisfied

Palm Harbor's Madison McNary has two titles to defend, but it's records she's after.

By Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
Published February 18, 2008

She has won state titles in the 100 and 200 meters. She already has signed with the University of Florida.

So what is left for Palm Harbor University's Madison McNary to accomplish this season.

Actually, there's a lot.

The senior not only wants to defend her titles in both events but also set state records in each one. But first she has to get back on track.

In January, McNary hyperextended her knee in a basketball game. The injury forced her to sit out the rest of the basketball season.

Doctors cleared her to resume running last month, and she will be back for her first track meet Feb. 26.

"There really are no problems with the knee," McNary said. "It's just a matter of getting back into shape for track. There are a lot of early morning runs. It's time consuming. "But I'll be ready."

Top three returners

Boys

Paul Britten, Lakewood - The football star was second-team all-county in the 200 and 400 meters.

Joe Cathey, Calvary Christian - The senior, who took third at state in the 3,200 last season, is coming back from a strained tendon in his calf.

Ryan Messmore, Countryside - He skipped football season in order to concentrate on track. Last year, he placed seventh in the 400 meters at state.

Girls

Nia Berthelot, St. Petersburg - At last year's state meet, the sophomore was 10th in the high jump, her best event.

Jasmine Garcia, East Lake - The junior was a first-team all-county selection in the 100 meter hurdles last season.

Samantha Specht, Shorecrest - She was the state runnerup in the triple jump and 400 meters and helped the 4x800 team take third last season.

Key dates

March 1 Calvary Invitational

March 6 Land O'Lakes Invitational

March 7 Richard Allen Relays

March 8 Disney Relays

March 14 West Coast Invitational

March 26 Ed Wells Invitational

April 4-5 Florida Relays.

District breakdown

Class 4A, District 5

Teams: Alonso, Countryside, East Lake, Largo, Mitchell, Palm Harbor University, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, Sickles.

Class 3A, District 9

Teams: Blake, Clearwater, Dunedin, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Leto, Plant, Tarpon Springs.

Class 3A, District 11

Teams: Boca Ciega, Dixie Hollins, Gibbs, Lakewood, Northeast, Osceola, Seminole.

Class 2A, District 9

Teams: Academy of the Holy Names (girls only), Berkeley Prep, Hernando, Jesuit, Nature Coast, Pasco, Robinson, Sunlake, Tampa Catholic, Wiregrass Ranch, Zephyrhills.

Class A, District 9

Teams: Bayshore Christian, Bishop McLaughlin, Calvary Christian, Cambridge, Indian Rocks Christian, Northside Christian, Seven Rivers Christian, Tampa Baptist, Tampa Prep.

Class A, District 11

Teams: Admiral Farragut, Bradenton Christian, Bradenton St. Stephen's, Keswick Christian, Sarasota Christian, Sarasota Out-of-Door, Shorecrest.

For the fans

Admission: Most schools charge $3.

Regular season: Today is the first day for regular-season meets in Class A and 2A. The first day regular-season meets can be held in 3A and 4A is Feb. 25. The regular season ends April 5 for Class A and 2A and April 12 for 3A and 4A.

Postseason: The district meets for Class A and 2A are April 7-12. The district meets for 3A and 4A are April 14-19. The top four in each event at districts advance to regional meets, which will be April 16-18 for A and 2A and April 23-25 for 3A and 4A. The top four in each event at regionals advance to the state meets, which will be April 25 (A), April 26 (2A), May 2 (3A) and May 3 (4A) at Showalter Field in Winter Park.

[Last modified February 17, 2008, 21:49:56]