J.P. Taravella Boys and Marjory Stoneman Girls Win at Championship Cross Country Meet

Cross country runners prepare for the championship run. {David Volz}

When Craig Dennis, a top runner for the J.P. Taravella cross-country team, won first place at the Northwest Area Schools Cross Country Championship at Tradewinds Park on September 25 by a large margin, he was proud of his accomplishment.

“I felt in my gut that I was going to run well today. I earned first place because of hard work, dedication, and consistency. That is what it takes to win in distance running,” said Dennis.

The Taravella boys’ team won first place. Coach Dawn Spann, who has worked to build the Trojans’ program, was proud of the team and their effort. “Most of the seniors have been on the team for four years. We believe in each other, and we practice hard every day, but we need to continue improving,” said Spann.

Fabio Castilo, of Coral Glades, earned second place overall. “I ran hard during the race, and I feel good about my run,” he said.

Fabio Castillo a top runner at Coral Glades

Matthew Wykpisz, a leader on the Coral Springs boys’ team, which took third place, said, “I love to make a strong effort in practice and in meets. As a team, we give 100 percent effort,” he said.

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas girls’ team won first place, and Olivia Higgins, top runner and strong academic student, earned first place as an individual. “I put much effort into the race, and it hurt toward the end, but I pushed through it,” she said.

Taravella runners just after their win at the boys’ championship.

Emiliana Anzures, of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, earned second place individually.  “I was hurting during the race, but I pushed through the pain to do well today,” she said.

Coach Michael Mauro of the Eagles was proud of this girls’ team. “We practice hard every day and hold each other accountable. That is why the team won today. We will continue to work hard and prepare for upcoming meets,” said Mauro.

Coral Springs Boys and Girls cross country teams.

Top boys’ runners were:

1. Craig Dennis, Taravella
2. Fabio Castillo, Coral Glades
3. Lucas Werth, Coral Springs Charter
4. Scardy Fils, Taravella
5. Tyler Cline, Coral Springs

Top boys’ teams:

1. Taravella
2. Coral Springs Charter
3. Marjory Stoneman Douglas
4. North Broward Prep

Top girls’ runners:

1. Olivia Higgins, Coral Springs
2. Emiliana Anzures, MSD
3. Lily Richardson, Coral Springs Charter
4. Alexys Caropreso, MSD
5. Alyson Thomas, Coral Springs Charter

Marjory Stoneman Douglas and Taravella girls’ cross country

Top girls’ teams:

1. Marjory Stoneman Douglas
2. Coral Springs Charter
3. Taravella

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.

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