Area well represented in preseason state cross country rankings

Posted Sep 1, 2011 by Bill Ward

Updated Sep 1, 2011 at 11:06 PM

The 2011 FACA/flrunners.com Florida prep cross country preseason computer rankings are out and as expected, plenty of talent from the Tampa Bay area can be found.

Individually, the top-ranked local runner is (of course), Chamberlain senior Max del Monte. He’s No. 2 on the Class 3A list behind Miami Belen Jesuit senior Elliot Clemente. Heading into the 2011 campaign, less than one second separate the 5,000-meter personal bests of del Monte and Clemente.

Meanwhile, del Monte’s team is ranked No. 11 in 3A and Wiregrass Ranch is No. 12.

The top-ranked local team (also deserving an “of course”) is Plant’s girls, who are No. 2 in 4A. Considering the Panthers return everyone from last year’s state championship squad, it seems a bit odd that the team they beat for the title, Miami Our Lady of Lourdes, is No. 1 in the rankings. That’s because these are computer rankings based on PRs and Lourdes’ team average for its scoring five is a little more than a second faster than Plant.

Individually, the Panthers boast the Nos. 4, 7, 9 and 13 returning runners in the state in 4A with Julia Rodriguez, Caroline Gibson, Danielle Kissel and Katherine Ralston—but watch out for No. 23 Kara Halfaker, who has been looking strong in recent workouts for Plant.

Plant’s boys, meanwhile, hold the No. 5 spot in their 4A rankings. They are led by No. 6 Travis Christenberry. Look for the Panthers to rise. Coach Mike Boza says this is the strongest group of runners he’s ever had at Plant. And that’s saying something.

Also cracking the top 10 in the team or individual rankings were Academy of the Holy Names (No. 5, 2A girls) and the Jaguars top returner, Colleen Doherty (No. 4), Berkeley Prep’s boys (No. 5, paced by Alex Main, who is No. 6 individually), Robinson’s Brian Sharp (No. 5 in 2A) and Riverview’s Michael Babinec (No. 9 in 4A).

Stay tuned to TBO.com this season for the best coverage of the county’s 2011 season.