News

Press Release for 9/24 at Tropical Park

As we continue to build momentum; on Saturday, September 24, 2011, we had the opportunity to again witness South Florida's youth taking cross country to the next level. Our numbers increased by twenty percent (20%) and it was indeed a pleasure to see the children running in the proper footwear available at Runner's High. Bruce and Sherry Wilk, owners of Runner's High in Pine crest, South Dixie Highway and 112th Avenue are dedicated to providing quality and proper footwear for our growing South Florida running community. The service provided by the Wilk's is unique, because the store is stocked and ready with children sizes, and every customer is treated like a client. He or she is evaluated visually in the gait analysis beneficial for proper shoe placements, which also reduces and prevents injury and provide safety.

Open 5K/ Varsity 4k opens the day

The morning began with the open 5k, two large hills, where Osdaniel Hernandez, won at 17:53, opening his preseason. Our female open winner was Denise Spann. As the race got shorter they became more and more exciting. The Varsity 4k, highlighted performances were displaced by Alexander Elortegui, who posted 15:41. Females first and second was Sofia Fernandez (20:08) and Meylin Muniz (21:29).

Junior Varsity wakes up the coward

Elite track and field youth athlete Daishon Spann, from Plantation Heat Track Team placed top 3 in the 400m at the AAU Nationals, in New Orleans. Here she competed and dominated the tough Tropical Park course; even beating all the girls and boys in that division with a time of 11:01 for (1.58miles). Spann joins the series to prepare for her next track season so that she can be faster and stronger for January. All the athletes described the course as "hot, hard and hilly" as we interviewed them at the Awards Ceremony Celebration. Sebastian Arana and Sebastian Roa of the boys division battled just behind Spann at 11:04 and 11:06 and displayed good running skills.

Race walkers & Masters welcomed as Primary milers execute

We had one representation in the mile for Race walkers; Donna-Maria Johnson, who took on the course and finished at 13:49 strong. Trevor King and Wayne Robinson battled yet a second series in a row in the Mom and Dad’s mile at 7:16, and 7:58 respectively. Finally Primary, Boys winner Leopoldo Herrera, second, Diego Gomez and Diego Belfort, third also came to perform. The Primary Girls were presented by Amanda Elortegui, 7:35; from IRun and Dominique Spann, 7:38, from Plantation Heat showing very strong efforts and performance as the sun grew hotter.

Minis Dominate

The Minis race was very competitive; first, second and third Daniel Marsh 7years old, Austin Foster 6 years old, George Marquis, 6 years old, all paced under 7:30 average pace per mile, and these children are under 8 years old. We were all impressed with their performance. Female winner Brianna Wall in the Minis also ran under 7:30 average pace per mile. Finally the shortest race was the Pre-Minis; 150m to the finish, as the crowd went wild to see them giving their all. For Compete Results visit: www.coachtofirstclass.org

Message to the community

We continue to promote proper running equipment, hydration with our two Powerade stations, safety, and development of both physically and psychological benefits for our youth. Thanks to our sponsors, who understand the importance of all these elements! See you all at Vista View!!!

It was an extremely hot and sunny day as our young competitors took the line of our second race of the Elementary and Middle School Cross Country Series at Miami Metro-Dade's Southridge Park. There was several exciting battles between runners, some with three plus years experience and first time racers.

First and noteworthy is our Development Runner: We must commend a runner who did not win the race, but her outstanding effort deserves utmost recognition. This week's Developmental Runner of the Day is: Marina Marquis.

Races were very exciting, especially in the Boys Minis (.82) of a mile. Elijah Hibbert unattached from Broward won with a time of 5:59, just beating out Austin Foster from Coral Reef Montessori at 6:05, followed with determination by 3rd place finisher Noah Richards with a time of 8:08. Top female was six years old, Samantha Alexander at 7:50.

The one mile race which comprised boys and girls; third and fourth graders had a great showing and great performances, with winners; Eddyah Frye ran 7:26 taking charge of all the other girls in the field, as well as the first boy, Issac Hibbert who ran 7:49.

In the Boys Junior Varsity (1.77miles) last race, Syon Lewis was our winner at the Coach to FirstClass Invite, but this week he took second challenged by Joshua Diaz from Alpha Omega Elite Track Team; Times were Diaz -10:40, Lewis-10:43, 3rd- Micah Hibbert- 13:43, 4th- Tarig Robinson- 17:43. Next up was Varsity and Open Runners. The Course contested was 2.1miles overall winner 12 years old John Sellars- 13:21, 2. Noah Hibbert-14:50, 3. Ramon Rojas- 16:31. On the girls side, 1. Sophia Miguez- 14:20, 2. Kali Hezera- 15:20. 3. Alyssa Fraga 15:53.

Finally, we were very excited because we had a heat of Masters Men that had children or grandchildren running that day, and they wanted to show that they still "had it". First place went to 57 years old, Trevor King-14:35, next was 51 years old, Joe Hazera - 15:33, and 3rd- 51 years old, Wayne Robinson- 16:13.

Thank you Powerade supplied beneficial hydration for all the competitors which is important at all races. South Florida, Families, Friends, for changing lives, and building character in our young student-athletes, one race at a time, for the complete results and pictures; visit www.coachtofirstclass.org.

Our First Annual South Florida Elementary and Middle Schools Cross Country Series kicked off last Sunday, Aug 28 at Amelia Earhart Park, Miami Dade County Parks & Recreation. Complete results, event story & photos can be found on www.coachtofristclass.org. For those interested in the next upcoming events visit www.aoett.org.

Coach to FirstClass Invitational featured everything youth runners require at Cross Country races, with music and excitement. Athletes featured where from grass roots to elite status; like 1st grader Bobby Hoel , from Coral Reef Montessori, first race of his life , to two of Florida's leading distance runners Julia Montgomery, placing 1st, conquering last year's All Catholic Conference CC State Champion, Sofia Miguez.

All participants received the following:

1. Thanks to Miami Dade Parks and Rec. were able to provide a well organized and challenging cross country course, on grass and gravel, keeping our young children off the concrete roads.

2. Powerade supported two hydrations station; the runners and parents loved it!

3. Savedoff Chiropractor Center schooled the audience the importance of living a healthy style, and the enormous benefits of keeping the spine aligned.

4. Jerry & Joes Pizza came in just as all the races concluded, and each child got a free slice, even some parents were treated.

5. Last but not least, top 10 finishers in every age category and gender difference received a medal for an amazing performance as the parents, friends and family cheered them on.