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Tigers Are Ready Entering District Meet

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By JEFFREY JONES Tribune correspondent

Published: November 1, 2007

TAMPA - Greg Maurin has been a part of the Jesuit cross country program since 1998, his first year as an assistant coach for the Tigers. Since that time, Jesuit has won four state titles, with the last coming in 2005, and been runner-up twice.

Nine years later, Maurin has taken over for Mike Boza, who is now coaching the Plant boys team.

So far in 2007, the Tigers have continued their winning tradition, and they are in the hunt for another state title as they begin district competition today at Lake Park in Tampa.

But according to Maurin, the credit for the Tigers' success this season belongs to his predecessor, not the current coach.

'I owe a lot to Coach Boza, because he brought these guys along, I just inherited them,' Maurin said.

One of the runners Maurin was lucky enough to acquire was Connor Revord, who is considered not only one of the top runners in Hillsborough County, but in the state as well.

Revord hopes to lead Jesuit to a better finish at the state finals than in 2006, when he finished 11th in 16:57 and the team placed a disappointing fourth.

'I feel that we're ready this year. Last year we weren't as prepared, but we've really done our homework and done a lot of training this year.'

According to Revord, Maurin has the team running hills, which are abundant on the Little Glades course, and a lot of late morning practices to get used to the 2A time slot the Tigers will encounter again this year.

'The heat last year was a major factor that was affecting everyone,' Maurin said. 'We're in the last race again, so it's a concern.'

Along with the heat and terrain, there is also the mental aspect of participating in a big meet that can combine to alter a runner's performance, no matter how physically adept they might be.

'Most people don't run their best at the state meet,' Maurin said. 'It's very intimidating, because of the size of the race, nerves, or the course itself. Last year, unfortunately we had a bad day, and it wasn't a lack of strength.'

One thing the Tigers won't be without when the state series kicks off today is depth. Jesuit has more than enough runners to take the place of a teammate in the event of an injury.

'What I'm always telling the other runners is, don't train to be a six or seventh guy, train to be a four or five guy, because we've got that type of dynamic on the team,' Maurin said. 'Where one guy gets hurt, the other one is right there.'

One of the lower-seeded runners who showed a lot of potential at the county championship was Logan Trimble, who finished 17th in 17:16 to help the Tigers to a first-place finish.

'Logan is one of those guys who doesn't get a lot of press but he's solid and very consistent,' Maurin said. 'Unquestionably, depth is our biggest strength.'

Jordan Schilit has been a spectacular No. 2 runner for the Tigers, placing sixth at the County Cup in 16:35.

Maurin knows what his team is capable of doing, and nothing would thrill the coach more than winning it all his inaugural year as Jesuit head coach.

'Anything can happen, but it would be an amazing and unforgettable experience,' Maurin said.

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