3A Girls Rankings

By: Steve Farnsworth, Lecanto HS, [email protected]       

Team Rankings:

Commentary: Pre-season rankings are largely based on 2014 PRs for 2015 returning runners, plus transfers and incoming freshmen when known.  May be a bit biased toward Region 1 because of PRs from fast Region 1 meet; bias should disappear when 2015 times are used.

Rank,  Team, Region = Comments

1.  Ft. Myers, 3.  The Green Wave have the best returning runners and are the pre-season favorites.

2.  Chiles, 1.  The Timberwolves could catch Ft. Myers if they develop a stronger No. 5 runner.

3.  Columbia, 1.  The Tigers have a solid group of returning runners

4.  Ft. Walton Beach, 1.   The Vikings have benefitted from a top transfer in Maddie Fulmer.

5.  Niceville, 1.  The Eagles look to have another strong team in 2015.

6.  Creekside, 1.  Despite losing 3 of their top 5 runners, the defending state champs are still a top-10 team.

7.  Choctawhatchee, 1.  The Choctaws’ fortunes go up and down with those of the Lindsay sisters.

8.  Nease, 1.  A solid team, but may struggle to get out of tough Region 1.

9.  St. Augustine, 1.  Despite having the top runner in the state, this team needs more depth to get out its region.

10.  Ocala Vanguard, 2.  Although they lost their top two runners, the Knights should get back to the state meet.

11.  Merritt Island, 4.  The Mustangs are projected to be the top team in Region 4, even with graduation losses.

12.  Ponte Vedra, 1.  Another good team that will struggle to get out of a tough region.  

13.  Estero, 3.  The Wildcats have a strong top 3, but need better 4 and 5 runners to move into the top ten.

14.  Seabreeze, 2.  The Sandcrabs are projected to be the number two team in Region 2.

15.   Land O’Lakes, 2.  The Gators have no star runners, but are a solid team that runs in a tight pack.

Individual Rankings:

Commentary: Pre-season rankings are based on a combination of 2014 XC PR, 2014 state meet time, and 2015 3200 time, and may not completely agree with the 2014 PR posted.

Rank,  Name, Grade, Team, 2014 XC PR / Comments

1.  Kelly Aponte, 12, St. Augustine, 18:17.  Top returning runner from 2014 state meet, finishing 2nd.

2.  Emma Tucker, 12, Chiles, 18:44.  3rd in 2014 state meet, strong 2015 track season.

3.  Tara Openshaw, 10, Creekside, 18:23.  Will try to improve on superb freshman year.

4.  Kara Funke, 11, Leesburg, 18:45.  Fourth at 2014 state meet, seems to have an advantage on hilly courses.

5.  Devin Molloy, 11, Barron Collier, 18:21.  Up and down runner capable of putting up great times.

6. Alexandra Wallace, 12, Chiles, 18:53.  Second in the 3200 at state meet.

7. Kristin Gear, 11, Ft. Myers, 18:46.  State 1600 champ, needs to show she’s as strong at longer distances.

8. Lauren Stanford, 11, Bartram Trail, 18:33.  Had a great 2014 XC season and looks to improve in 2015.  

9. Breeana Salcedo, 12, Estero, 18:45.  Part of Estero’s state championship 4 x 800 team.

10.  Kianna Bonnet, 12, Seabreeze, 18:43.  A very tough runner when not limited by injuries.

11.  Bridget Morse, 10, Columbia, 18:52.  Should improve on a very strong freshman year.

12.  Claire Farnsworth, 12, Lecanto, 18:39.  Had a tough 2014 state meet, looking for redemption in 2015.

13.  Daley Cline, 12, Estero, 19:03.  Somewhat better at shorter distances, but still a very good XC runner.

14.  Claire Crist, 11, Niceville, 18:45.   The leader of the strong Niceville squad.

15.  Megan Giovaniello, 11, Estero, 18:45.  Hasn’t raced much, but puts up good times when she does.

16.  Katie Potts, 12, Nease, 19:01.  Ran very well at the end of the 2014 XC season.

17.  Abby Fisher, 10, Ft, Myers, 18:50.  One of the reasons the Green Wave is ranked No. 1.

18. Emily Onimus, 12, St. Augustine, 18:52.  Kelly Aponte’s best friend and running partner.

19. Maggie Parrish, 12, Chamberlain, 19:14.  Top girl 3A runner in the Tampa Bay area.

20. Emma Rudman, 12, Ft. Walton Beach, 18:59.  Capable of moving much higher if she regains 2013 form.