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Jesuit Takes Cup By Slim Margin

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By JEFFREY JONES, Tribune correspondent

Published: October 18, 2007

The Hillsborough County Championship, also known as the Gasparilla Cup, is a meet that enables private and public schools to compete against each another while simultaneously showcasing some of the best talent the Tampa area has to offer.
Jesuit led the way once again for the boys, winning its fifth straight meet at Lake Park on Wednesday, although it was by the closest of margins.

The Tigers earned 77 points, barely edging out second-place Plant, which finished with 81 points on the night. Sickles also wasn't far behind with 84, allowing very little breathing room for the team at the top.

'I'm thrilled, but 'Wow' was it close,' said Tigers coach Greg Maurin. 'It was close three ways. Plant definitely made me nervous; they have a great coach.'

Mike Boza, the Panthers coach, was pleased with how his team performed at the championship, against one of the state's top teams.

'Were very thrilled to be that close to a team as good as Jesuit, they've traveled all over the state, and taken everybody on, and they've beaten everybody, so for us to be that close with them, gives us confidence going into the state series,' Boza said.

Sickles' Derek Wehunt was the top finisher for the boys in 15:56, with Jesuit's Conner Revord right on his heels in 15:58.

Wehunt defended his title as the county's best, winning the same event last year, although Revord did not compete in the 2006 race.

'I feel great, I'm a 100 percent right now,' Wehunt said. ' I feel a lot better now than I did last year.'

Drew Woodke of Brandon finished third in 16:25, and Keegan Bixler was fourth in 16:31 for Newsome.

Wharton was the top girls team, as the Skinner twins once again dominated the field. Kathia Skinner finished first in 19:17, and Katrina Skinner placed third in 20:24.

Olivia D'Angelo placed second for Berkeley Prep in 20:13. Page Price, who usually stays in pace right next to Price, had to sit out the meet due to a calf injury, according to Berkeley assistant coach Fred Steier.

Plant's girls finished second with 80 points, and Newsome placed third with 99 points.

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