As Pine Crest runner Chris Baker crossed the finish line in his state cross-country finals debut last November, he was choked up and teary eyed. Baker said it took everything to overcome the notoriously tough course and the cold winds that blew through Little Everglades Park that early Saturday morning.

''I am highly allergic to dust, so it was difficult to breathe,'' said Baker, who finished 23rd in 16 minutes, 54 seconds. ``I will be a lot better prepared at states this year.''

If all goes according to his plan, Baker's opponents will need to catch their breath this season.

Following a break-out junior campaign rewarded by a selection to the All-Broward first team, Baker enters his senior season a contender for the Class 2A title and Broward Runner of the Year honors.

''I would definitely love to be runner of the year,'' Baker said. ``Nothing would make me happier. Not just for me, but for Pine Crest in general.

``I don't think Pine Crest has had a great distance runner. I am trying to be that.''

For that to happen Baker knows he will need to improve his personal best of 16:06,Broward's top returning time, that he set at the Region 4-2A championships last year. With the tougher training regimen under first-year Panthers coach Kathy Halligan, Bakers expects to go faster than 16 minutes.

''Long term, I am looking at 15:30,'' Baker said. ``That is what I am gunning for. Coach Halligan believes in quality running over quantity running, and that has helped me get stronger.''

A beefed up schedule should also help.

Baker and his teammates will face some of the state's top runners as they compete in a school-record seven invitationals, highlighted by flrunners.com 9, Pre-State and Holy Trinity.

Halligan, who helped mold former Flanagan star Sebastian Castillo into a two-time runner of the year, believes that better competition will provide the push Baker needs.

''Chris is one of the strongest distance runners I have worked with both physically and mentally, but the lack of experience in the big races has been a detriment,'' said Halligan, a former Creighton basketball star. ``That will give him the preparation and confidence he needs to win the big races at the right time.''

Baker, Victor Pinedo and Mark Trouville are the team's top three runners. The next four spots are up for grabs among Josh Kotler, Colin Smith, Joel Rosen, Matt Bedick, Bryan Yamure, Alec Neita, Matt Corban, Michael Sahagian, Chris Tabush and Sean Walsh.

Last season, Baker was the lone Panthers runner to advance to states. This time, he expects his teammates to accompany him.

''I have three goals this season,'' Baker said. ``Take my team to states, a top five finish at states and winning runner of the year. It will be a challenge, but I have the confidence to do it.''

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