Area runners, coaches named to FACA all-star squads

Posted Dec 3, 2009 by Bill Ward

Updated Dec 4, 2009 at 12:36 PM

Twelve runners from Hillsbrough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, as well as two coaches from that area, have been selected to compete in Saturday’s Florida Athletic Coaches Association all-star cross country meet in Tallahassee.

The meet, set for 8 a.m. in Apalachee Regional Park, will be divided up into team representing the state’s four regions as drawn up this fall by the Florida High School Athletics Association.

Chosen from Hillsborough county were Berkeley Prep’s Gigi Price and Tyler Greathouse (Region 3), Armwood’s Ben Hilton (Region 2), Tampa Catholic’s Kyle Taylor (Region 3) and Robinson’s Bryan Garcia and Josh Epperson (Region 3).

Making the team from Pasco are Ridgewood’s Tyler Comacho (Region 2) and Delonzo Sharp (Region ) of Wiregrass Ranch. Pinellas entrants include Kaitlin Homme of Seminole and Alicia Alridge of East Lake, both on the Region 2 squad, and Countryside’s Zach Christenson.

Two of Hillsborough’s top coaches were also chosen to lead teams. Academy of the Holy Names coach Ray Rodriguez will guide the Region 3 girls teams and Robinson’s Mark Altimari will coach the Region 3 boys squad. Former Plant High runner Kristin McWilliams, now coaching at Winter Park, is the Region 1 boys coach.

Photo: Robinson senior Bryan Garcia in action at last month’s Class 2A state cross country championships, where he finished eighth to earn all-state honors. Photo by Bill Ward