Sideline

By GREG AUMAN and CAREY FREEMAN

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 1, 2001

Running

Emerson heads county runners in Gasparilla

More than 10,000 runners took part in Saturday's Bank of America Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa, including a respectable contingent of 83 from Hernando County.

First in for the county was Hernando High School senior John Emerson, who ran the 15-kilometer race in 53 minutes, 30 seconds to finish 14th overall and first in his age group.

Emerson managed to beat former and future teammate Brian Major, an ex-state champion in the mile at Hernando who's running Florida Southern.

The rest of the top 10 locals is a potpourri of ages -- from Hernando freshmen Logan Emerson and Zach Lukas to Spring Hill's Al Treichel, who dominated the 70-and-over age group by nearly six minutes.

Brooksville's John Laughlin was among three runners age 80 or older. Laughlin was the fastest in the group, by 22 minutes.

In the 5-kilometer race, Central senior Derek Smith finished in 20:09, 21st in his age group. Central's Erin Courtney, who had won the 2-mile run in a quad meet at Central a day earlier, finished in 24:05 -- sixth among county runners.

If the 15K winner's name looks familiar, it should. Tampa's Muchapiwa Mazano is a two-time winner of the Flatlanders Challenge, and he finished the Gasparilla in 48:50 -- 18 seconds ahead of this year's Flatlanders champ, Mike Griewe.

County's top 10 (15K)

John Emerson, Brooksville, 53:30; Brian Major, Brooksville, 55:18; Christopher Asher, Brooksville, 59:32; Logan Emerson, Brooksville, 1:00:55; Carlos Carrasquillo, Spring Hill, 1:02:00; Lawrence Watson, Spring Hill, 1:06.00; Zach Lukas, Brooksville, 1:09:11; Al Treichel, Spring Hill, 1:10:19; Sue Murphy, Brooksville, 1:13:48; John Sumner, Brooksville, 1:14:18.

County's top 10 (5K)

Derek Smith, Spring Hill, 20:09; Paul Roen, Spring Hill, 21:20; Richard Ortiz, Brooksville, 23:46; Olivia Murray, Brooksville, 23:49; Steve Balog, Brooksville, 24:03; Erin Courtney, Brooksville, 24:05; Lindsey Newton, Brooksville, 24:33; Richard McCluskey, Spring Hill, 25:47; Lacey Newton, Brooksville, 26:18; Kyle Boerner, Spring Hill, 27:23.

Basketball

The talented Titusville Astronaut team that dismantled Hernando's girls Saturday continues its post-season march today in Lakeland with a 2:30 p.m. semifinal game against No. 4 Fort Lauderdale

Second-ranked Astronaut (30-1) lost in last year's state final.

The other semifinal pits No. 9 St. Augustine and No. 3 Winter Haven. Today's winners advance to Saturday's 3:30 p.m. championship. For fans interested but not ready to make the trek to Lakeland, all of the girls title games will be televised on Sunshine Network.

The Class 4A championship is scheduled to air at 7 p.m. March 18 and 2:30 March 22.

Harlem All-Stars games

The Harlem All-Stars will play games against the Citrus County Sheriff's Department today, Friday and Saturday to benefit Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches.

The games will be at Lecanto High School (today), Citrus High School (Friday) and Citrus Springs Middle School (Saturday). Each starts at 7 p.m.

The all-star team comprises former college and professional players and is captained by "Magic" Valentino Willis, who founded the team.

The all-stars bring humor and goodwill to thousands of fans each year throughout the country. At halftime, the team delivers a message to children about the dangers of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.

Tickets are $5 if bought in advance and $7 at the door. For more information, call (352) 527-0005.

Tennis

Sugarmill Woods and Citrus County Tennis Association will play host to the Compass Tournament on March 10-11 at the Sugarmill Woods/Oak Village Tennis Complex

The entry fee is $15 per person. Competition will be held in men's and women's brackets, with balls provided for each match.

Teams are guaranteed at least four matches in a 16-team draw, with two matches taking place Saturday and two scheduled for Sunday.

For more information, call Rick Scholl, (352) 382-0353. The registration deadline is Wednesday.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright