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Parrish, Williams Run To Titles

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By JEFFREY JONES, Tribune correspondent

Published: October 12, 2007

TAMPA - Chamberlain's Mark Parrish was the top runner in the boys race, and Brandon's Shelby Williams placed first in the girls race Thursday night at the King Invitational.

Parrish, who finished in 16:42, had a mishap that could have potentially ended the race for the Chiefs senior. As Parrish was coming over a hill along the course, he fell into a dip that was hidden by grass, slightly injuring his foot.

'Luckily, I was able to get right back up and start running,' Parrish said. 'It took me out of the lead, but it got the adrenalin pumping and I was able to get back in front.'

Chamberlain coach Bill Strack was pleased at how his No. 1 runner fared in the race.

'Mark is starting to find a finish kick at the end,' Strack said. 'He found it at the Southern Stars meet, and he did it again today.'

Parrish finished one second ahead of Brandon's Drew Woodke (16:43), and Newsome's Keegan Bixler, who placed third in 16:45.

Brandon coach Bob Maestas was surprised at how well Williams ran, because she wasn't feeling 100 percent before the race.

'She had tears in her eyes, and was complaining about a headache,' Maestas said. 'But I think she loosened up and started to feel good.

'Williams ran a really smart race and looked strong throughout.'

Williams finished in 20:53, with Freedom's Alyssa Franks placing second in 21:06, and Newsome's Sydney Coates rounding out the top three in 21:13.
Newsome won both team competitions at the invitational.

The boys team placed first with 43 points, followed by Chamberlain with 54 and Brandon with 74.

The Lady Wolves finished with 49 points, followed by runner-up King with 110 and East Bay in third with 116.

Newsome's girls won despite having to compete without their No. 3 runner, Brooke McEver, and No. 4 runner, Meaghan Lewandowski, who were both under the weather.

'I knew I had the depth on the team, so I was able to afford the luxury of not running those two,' Wolves coach Orlando Greene said. 'But we want them back definitely for next week.'

Wharton did not run its varsity runners at the invitational in preparation for the Hillsborough County championships, according to Wildcats coach Wes Newton.

The Gasparilla Cup will be held Wednesday at Tampa's Lake Park.

Van Etten, Mitchell Win Girls SAC Golf

ZEPHYRHILLS - Megan Van Etten fired a 1-over-par 62 to lead Mitchell to the Sunshine Athletic Conference medalist and team titles Thursday at the 2,854-yard Hidden Creek Golf Club.

Van Etten topped Wesley Chapel's T.J. Adipietro, who carded a 65. Sam Friese, also of Wesley Chapel, was third with a 70. Gulf's Bailey Logan was fourth with a 72.

Mitchell won the team title with a 298. Wesley Chapel was second with 314. Zephyrhills finished third with 344.

Larry Bugg

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