There are some places a 145-pound cross-country runner has no business.

On a rugby pitch, with men twice his size pushing and shoving each other around, is one of them.

Tell that to Taravella's Tristan Gray, who is just as comfortable leading the Trojans into the District 5-4A championships at Quiet Waters Park on Thursday as dodging potential tacklers for the Boca Raton Mens Rugby Club.

``Cross-country keeps me fit for rugby and rugby gets me stronger for cross-country,'' Gray said. ``With the cross-country, I am able to last a whole game and not get tired. Since I am skinny, I am more agile and able to shift around the bigger guys.''

Taravella has become a fixture at the state finals under coach Gary Boyer and expects to extend that streak thanks to Gray, No. 1 runner Chris Gonzalez and Eric Weiner. A top-15 finish or top six in the team standings earn a berth in the Region 3-4A championships at Tradewinds Park on Nov. 12.

The youngest player on the Boca Club team at 18, Gray's emerging talent proved vital in going undefeated and winning the Florida Cup Championships two weeks ago.

Gray's speed made him a two-way weapon for Boca Raton, scoring points as a fullback and providing the last line of defense as a sweeper.

Of course, the downside to any full-contact sport is injury.

Although Gray has been fortunate to avoid the illegal high tackles, cleat-across-the-face rakes and eye-gouging that happen occasionally, he has broken his collarbone three times. Gray sustained the last break playing a game a day after the 2008 regionals and was forced to run the state finals last November with his arm strapped across his chest.

The constant risk of a serious injury has caused great angst for Boyer.

``I hold my breath all week long hoping Tristan doesn't get hurt,'' Boyer said. ``He is a tough kid that plays hurt. He is playing with college kids. We had another track kid that had a serious neck injury. You never know what can happen. Hopefully he finds enough balance so he doesn't play too much on the edge with rugby and will be able to finish out the season.''

The rugby gene flows through the Gray family. Gray's father, Tom, played for the Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) Select 15 before moving on to the premier level in South Africa. And Gray's brother, Brendan, is currently playing in New Zealand.

Gray, who has split time between running and rugby since the eighth grade, said his dream is to follow in their footsteps and play professional rugby overseas.

``I love both sports,'' Gray said. ``They're both mental. Running, you need a good mental mind-set, and in rugby you can't let any player get into your head. You can't give up in either one.''

BOYS' CROSS-COUNTRY

• District 8-3A -- final -- Belen 17, Pines Charter 75, Mater 97, Dillard 163, Dwyer 176, Palm Beach Lakes: 1. Elliot Clemente (BEL) 16:31.64, 2. Joseph Lindsay (BEL) 17:04.45, 3. Branden Martinez (BEL) 17:21,34, 4. Baron Barber (PBL) 17:32.34, 5. Max Echarte (BEL) 17:35.30, 6. Gabr Loret de Mola (BEL) 17:48.72, 7. Julian Rey (BEL) 18:03.40, 8. Christian Rivern (BEL) PC 18:12.59, 9. Peter Jude (BEL) 18:13.35, 10. Jonathan Cuza (MAT) 18:21.61, 11. Brandonn Rodriguez (MAT)18:27.94, 12. Chris Taylor (PC) 18:30.18, 13. Thomas Philpson (DWY)18:45, 14. Wilson Louima (DIL) 18:57.46, 15. Sharon Ameerally (PC) 19:00, 16. Bruce Brickleff (LW) 19:01.33.