By Kyle LoJacono
Samson Moore has heard all the grumbling, snickering and second-guessing this season.
The Gaither sophomore took second at the Class 3A track and field meet last year in the 110-meter hurdles. He set the program record in the event as a freshman, and the anticipation was he would return, capture a state title and be on his way to multiple trips to the top of the podium.
Moore and his coaches had a different plan.
He focused on sprint events this season to build his speed for future years. Moore didn’t know what to expect in terms of placing and advancement in the postseason.
What he got was a sixth-place medal in the 200 during the 3A final May 3 at the University of North Florida by finishing in 21.95 seconds.
“I wasn’t expecting to make the finals at states, or even make states, so it just shows that hard work pays off,” Moore said. “It’s a huge boost to be able to get this far even though I’ve only done it for one season. … I feel so much faster now, and having that speed is going to be a big help.”
Moore also set the program record in the 200 the week before by finishing as the regional runner-up in 21.75.
Moore wasn’t disappointed about his time at states because heavy rains and constant winds made putting up low numbers difficult. He was, in fact, pleased with how he navigated the conditions.
“On (May 1) it was pouring, and coach told us to practice anyway because what if it rains at states?” Moore said. “Well, it rained at states. I think that practice helped me get out of the blocks and not worry about the rain.”
Moore is ready to get back to the hurdles, along with the 400, for his final high school seasons, but said he really enjoyed the energy that comes with running the 200 and 100.
“The thing is I really like doing the sprints, especially the training,” Moore said. “I do not like the training for the 400 because you have to really have that strategy and be thinking while you’re running. With the 200 and 100 it’s just go as fast as you can the entire way. Everybody is like five yards apart. It’s intense.”
Gaither junior Rachel Cazares took fifth in the girls 800 by finishing in 2:19.50 to earn her first state medal.
Cazares was 10th at states during her freshman season, but missed advancing out of regionals by one place last year.
She said getting a medal around her neck is much better than watching from the stands like she was forced to in 2012
“I’m so happy,” Cazares said. “I was going for top five, and that’s what I did.”
Cazares was pleased with her placing, but not with the fact that state champion Kristin Zarrella from Lakewood Ranch won in 2:16.45.
“I know I can do that, so that’s just more motivation for next year,” said Cazares, who owns the program record of 2:17.20. “This is incredible motivation. Next year I want to win, and I’m serious about that. I’m not just saying I want to win states because that’s what everybody wants. I’m going for it.”
Gaither senior Kiana Bryant closed out her high school career by claiming her first state medal with an eighth-place performance in the 100 (12.40).
Steinbrenner senior Matt Magee captured fifth place during the 1,600 (4:26.70) in his first individual event at states. He led from near the start until the final 200.
“I just wanted to stick with the top leaders,” Magee said. “I tried to do that, but I kind of died out a little bit and four guys passed me. Fifth is fine though.”
Magee, who has accepted a preferred walk-on spot to run at Florida State University, is part of the Warriors 4×800 relay that was seeded sixth and returned all its members from last year when they finished fourth.
The Steinbrenner 4×800 did not finish the race, and Magee said that was motivation entering the 1,600.
“I’m so happy to be walking away with a medal,” Magee said. “I thought the 4×800 team this morning would have been the best chance to do that, but it didn’t happen, so I just wanted to get a medal in my last high school meet.”
