By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Several local cross country teams seem to be living up to preseason expectations.

St. Cloud High’s boys, coached by Kevin Harkema, placed third at Deland last weekend behind Spruce Creek and Jacksonville Mandarin as Matt Cole (4th, 16:59.73) and Bailey Morgan (7th, 17:04) each placed among the top 10 individuals.

Harkema said his entire varsity team completed the course in 18:35 and under.

The Bulldogs are ranked 13th in the state poll and will compete at the fl

runners.com Invitational at Titusville today.

“It’s a big test for us,” Harkema said.

The Lady Bulldogs also look strong with Katelyn Stadtlander posting a 20:50 and Ashlyn Stadtlander recording a 21:27, among the best times in the county. Anaya Reid ran 21:45.

Harmony’s girls, defending Orange Belt Conference champs, also are off to a strong start as Sam Travis (21:03), Brittany Connor (21:29), Chelsea Connor (21:34) and Kylie Koral (22:09) are solid among the top four.

Coach Debra Schweiger said several candidates have emerged for the other three varsity spots, including junior Brianna Stacey, who clocked 25:35 in a JV run last week.

“I believe she can be a lot faster,” Schweiger said.

Harmony boys coach Jake Grantham said his goal is for his entire varsity team to run 19:30 or better. The team, led by Matt Henning, placed 10th at South Fork last week.

Liberty Coach Robert Pauley said Robbie Johnroe, last year’s conference runner-up, is on track for another good season after clocking 16:31 at South Fork. Germine Amadis (17:33) ran a PR at South Fork, said Pauley.

Several local teams will compete at Poinciana  Wednesday.