Coral Reef cross-country

With four runners returning who competed at state a year ago, the Coral Reef High School varsity girls’ cross-country team is confident in qualifying and improving at state.

The Barracudas went 9-5 in the 2011 regular season and placed 20th at state.

Senior Samara Taylor, junior Lauren Holian and sophomore Carla Rodriguez provide the expertise to be competitive throughout the season. Sophomore Anna Ballarte and senior Raivo Andrian along with a strong group of freshmen can contribute to the success of Coach Maya Scott’s team.

Taylor’s personal best in three miles is 19 minutes 55 seconds, Holian 22:22, Rodriguez 21:42, Ballarte 22:42 and Andrian 23:41.

South Dade cross-country

The defending district champ South Dade High School varsity girls’ cross-country team expects a very good season with its top five runners returning.

The Buccaneers were 13-3 in the 2011 regular season. After winning districts, they placed third at region and 18th at state for Coach Antoinette Major.

Barbra Vilson has been one of the top runners the past three seasons. This being her senior year, she is determined to break her personal best time (20:05) and lead her team to another successful season.

Senior Stephany Valesco is another standout runner for South Dade. Valesco’s top time is 20:55. Valesco and Vilson will push each other, making each other better.

Sophomore Asha Alvarez (21:30) and juniors Tiesha Collier (22:17) and Dashanay Hardy (22:16) also add to the team’s talents.

Braddock cross-country

Sophomore Joyce Caba guides a young Braddock High School girls’ varsity cross country team.

The Bulldogs also include freshman Margarita Baldomero, sophomores Yilen Amador and Natalia Galindo and senior Valeria Gomez.

• The boys’ varsity team is even younger with three rookies in their projected Top 5.

Junior Alvaro RivadeNeira and senior Ivan Vanegas are returning leaders off a team that finished fifth at district last season.

Freshmen Ryan Gonzalez and Bryan Martin and senior Ivan Vanegas are first-time competitive runners for Coach Carlos Cano.

Hebrew Academy cross-country

Hebrew Academy debuts its cross-country program this season.

Juniors Mariah Lamm and Ahava Smith along with freshman Yael Rosenberg lead the girls, and the boys are led by senior Gabriel Rosenberg, junior Ari Bister and sophomore Samuel Deutsch.

The inaugural coach is Bryan Huberty.

Coral Gables swimming

Coral Gables High School senior varsity swimmer Anthony Soto is working toward a stellar season.

Last season Soto was a state finalist, placing eighth in the 100 freestyle and 14th in the 50 freestyle. His season best in the 100 free was 46.2 and in the 50 free 21.4. As good as he is in the water, he is also good out of it. He is an IB student with excellent grades.

In 2011, the Cavs were 8-2 in the regular season for Coach Alexander Donis. They finished fourth at districts, eighth at regionals and 38th at state.

Senior Andrea Biondi was a region finalist in the 100 breaststroke (personal season best 1:04). Maxwell Wood, a junior, was a district finalist in the 500 freestyle (personal season best 5:49.02), and junior Javier Fernandez was a district finalist in the 200 individual medley (2:24.6).

• The varsity girls’ team went 7-3, scored fifth at district and was 19th at region a year ago.