Ka’Deem Wynn | Sports Journalist

Despite the rain, the mud, and the slight confusion on who finished in what place, the 2014 DeLand Invitational XC Meet hosted by DeLand High School was once again a success. Coach Jim Lowenstein and the DeLand staff pulled off a very well-run meet The coordination of the meet itself, as well as the schedule of events  was very efficient. Both of the girls and boys races started without delay. Everyone did their part to make sure that the meet went according to plan. More so, there were no injuries because of the slippery conditions. It’s safe to say that more teams will probably come to run at this meet next year. Maybe not as much as a year ago, but definitely more than nine. The race conditions were perfect, and the course was fast ━ if you knew how to run it.

Girls Race

There was the start ━ the 1K ━ then Tyra Boyd. Shortly after reaching 1000 meters, Mainland junior Tyra Body decided that it was time to start moving. Once she started going, there was no stopping her. Boyd was untouchable for the entire race, finishing about 35 seconds ahead of Pedro Menendez senior Reagan Bush, who finished in 21:31. The next girl to follow was Spruce Creek’s freshman, Camryn Cooney, who finished with a 21:37. But despite the other great efforts, it was all about today Tyra Boyd.

“I felt really nervous coming into the meet,” Boyd said earlier today. “I just saw that Spruce Creek was a really big team.” Most people think that when they see the Hawks step to the line. However, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Tyra proved that as she led each and every one of the Spruce Creek girls.

Boyd looked back a few times during the race, but there was no one in sight. Forced to run by herself, she continued to push until the finish. “I was hoping for a PR.” said Boyd. Other than that, she was pretty pleased with her performance today. So was her coach.

“She looked strong,” said coach Mountcastle. “She came out and dominated on this course. I thought she did really well.” Tyra ran at the state meet for cross country last year. He coach has a lot of faith in her, and has big plans for her. “I’m pretty sure she’ll make a return to states,” said coach Mountcastle. “Hoping with the team, but pretty sure she’ll make it as an individual.”

With the season still young, Tyra is making great progress. She will now be looked at as one of the top individual runners in the Five Star Conference that’s one month away, along with Seabreeze’s Elizabeth Murray, and Flagler’s Darien Halliday and Sophia Clark.

Aside from Tyra, Reagan, and Camryn, the top ten finished included Danielle Secor of Mainland (22:04), Madeline Holt of Spruce Creek (22:47), Erika Gaebel of DeLand (22:58), Casey Ehrhardt  of Spruce Creek (23:05), Olivia Harris of Spruce Creek (23:08), Veronica Rodriguez of Mainland (23:10), and Alyssa Grunder also of Mainland (23:180).

The girls team champions were Spruce Creek High School, and Mainland High School was the girls team runners-up.

Boys

At the start of the race, it was the lone runner of Pedro Menendez, Dalton Hodge, taking it out and looking very strong. Flagler’s number one runner was about 50 meters back. As the two boys disappeared into the woods just before they hit the mile you wonder what happened. When the two boys came out, Flagler’s runner had not only caught up to his competition, but passed him entirely! Not only that  ━ he kept on going, opening about 50 meters at this point.

Flagler’s Markell Peck was not only a sight to see as he continued to open the gap on his opponent, but everyone watching the race could tell where he was. Not by the FPC letters down his back, or just by being in first place. Peck was running his own race  ━ with a hat.

“The hat I got from states so it has sentimental value,” said Peck. “Pretty much with every race I would like to wear it.”

Peck has been to the state meet from cross country twice, including last year as the only runner from Flagler to make it. He also ran on the 4x800 meter relay at the state meet for track this past spring.

Peck is one of the leading members of Flagler’s varsity squad. Even though his teammates weren’t there to run with him, Peck ran the race as though it were a workout with his team. Figuring that someone would take out the race a little fast, Peck decided to wait before he moved. “The race went out a little fast so I just stayed back a little bit,” said Peck. “Then I started pushing after the mile.”

One of FPC’s coaches, Kevin McCarthy was present at the meet and commented on Peck’s race strategy. “Markell ran a really smart race. He didn’t go out his fastest, but still fast.”  McCarthy concluded by saying “He ran his race, ran his pace, and just settled in and ran consistently throughout the entire course.”

The senior is looking to make one last trip to the state meet this fall, but this time, taking his team with him. He is also looking to break the 16-minute barrier. Peck is in the same conference as Tyra Boyd and is also looked at as one of the favorites. Last year, Peck was ranked second behind DeLand’s Kenneth Pineiro.

Aside from Markell, Gavin Hightower of Pedro Menendez, and teammate Dalton, the top ten finished included August Deberri of Mainland (18:07), Brian Storter of Pedro Menendez (18:15), Roshan Ailani of Spruce Creek HS (18:19), Luke Bryan of Spruce Creek (18:32), Tyler Rollins of DeLand HS (18:39), Alex Woolfolk  of Pedro Menendez (18:41), and Estin Thiele of Pedro Menendez (18:43).

The boys team champions were Pedro Menendez High School, and Mainland High School was the boys team runners-up.