North Suncoast: News and notes

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By TIMES STAFF
Published March 4, 2008

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Mitchell wrestling coach John Stanjeski stepped down after three seasons, having led the Mustangs to their first SAC title. Wesley Chapel volleyball coach Ann Marvin resigned for personal reasons after two seasons, Wildcats athletic director Steve Mumaw said, and cross country coach Rebecca Sadusky stepped down after one season. 

On the Web: Softball rankings

Gaither makes a big leap from No. 6 to the top spot in Batting Order, our ranking of the top teams in the bay area. Check out the revamped rankings and sound off at highschool.tampabay.com.

Hudson freshman runner steps up

In terms of auspiciousness, the effort of Hudson freshman's Becky Reynolds at Friday's Chasco Invitational resembled the 2005 cross country debut of Pasco's Leeann Eble.

Eble, then a barely known freshman, stunned the field by easily winning the Gator Invitational in the commencement of what has become a highly decorated distance-running career.

On Friday, with Eble absent due to illness, Reynolds, 14, was equally astounding, passing Wesley Chapel's Jessica Furst on the final straightaway to win the 1,600 meters in 5:33.26.

Reynolds, who hasn't competed in track since the seventh grade, eclipsed her previous personal best by 11 seconds.

"Everyone on my team was like, 'You're gonna let her beat you,'" said Reynolds, still more than three months shy of her 15th birthday. "My adrenaline, I guess, just kicked in even more."

Morrison makes Junior Nationals

Sunlake junior Brad Morrison, above, set personal records in five events for Tampa Bay Aquatics at last weekend's senior championships in the men's senior open division for swimmers 17 and older. He also made the Junior National cut in the 200 backstroke, finishing second in 1:53.31, to qualify for the NCSA Junior National meet in Orlando later this month.

His other personal bests were in the 100 back (53.61), 200 free (1:44.85), 500 free (4:47.70) and 1,000 free (9:48.52).

Morrison was the Times' North Suncoast Swimmer of the Year after he earned his second bronze medal in the 100 back (53.47) and taking eighth in the 200 free (1:46.89) at the Class 2A state meet.

Compiled by Times staff writers Izzy Gould and Joey Knight

[Last modified March 4, 2008, 00:47:13]