At DistancePreps.com our motto is "The Future Runs Now."  We're off to a great start with freshmen runners making an impact early both individually and team wise across the State.  Even Hoka One One has started recognizing the up and comers, the next generation of athletes that will lead the US at the high school, collegiate, pro and international levels in the years to come.

Already mid-way through September, we're starting to see the emergence of young new talent that will soon become household names to Florida track fans and beyond.

Abbey Fisher, Ft Myers HS (Ft Myers Optimist, 20:08.50)

Abbey Fisher is our Girls Frosh of the Week

Abbey's first season running for the Green Wave is already reaping benefits for Coach Britton's girls team after losing the likes of Emily Edwards to graduation and the Tide.  Competing for Cypress Lake, Abbey's progression through the middle school ranks prepared her well for her first year of competiition at the high school level.  During middle school, Abbey posted personal best in the 1600m (6:27), 3200m (13:35) and in 2013, a 2:47 in the 800 meter run.

Abbey comments, "This year I'm training so much smarter with my team. I look forward to practice everyday just knowing that it's getting me one step closer to my goals."  It's also obvious she likes to work hard seeing her favorite quote is "No one ever drowned in sweat ."

"Abbey has been a great addition to the Green Wave team this year" adds Coach Britton.  "She is a tireless worker in practice and has great drive on meet days which makes her a joy to coach. Her attitude and work ethic lifts up the whole team. When she came in she was raw but had obvious talent. I have been amazed how quickly she has matured in just two meets. I look forward to the next four years with her wearing the green and white."

Joey Fitzpatrick, Ocala Vanguard HS (Florida Horse Park Invitational, 16:01.67)

Joey FitzPatrick is our Boys Frosh of the Week

Joey's career as a distance runner continues to blossom.  We first saw Joey in action at the 2013 Alligator Lake Invitational where he won the middle school race under some trying circumstances.  He then went on to win the FLYRA Middle School Cross Country Championships.  He followed up his successful cross country season on the track getting the trifecta; winning the 800 (2:05.22), 1500 (4:19.09) and 3000 meter runs (9:21.27) at the FLYRA Middle School Championships held at the IMG Academy track complex. Joey's 3000 meter time, 9:21.27, is the fastest ever recorded in the history of the Middle School Championships.  The record was previously held by Brian Atkinson which had stood since 2006.

Joey's race on Saturday, winning the inaugural Florida Horse Park 5K in a photo finish against Chiles senior Avery Bartlett, showed some real grit and determination. 

RELATED - SEE THE PHOTO FINISH ON OCALA.COM

Coach Travieso is mightily impressed with his young harrier.  "After Joey's first couple races I am really no longer surprised by what he does.  Although his race strategy was not ideal it was effective enough to come away with the win after a hard charge by Avery Bartlett of Chiles.  The last few weeks Joey has really stepped up his training after hanging back with some of the older runners during the summer.  We are still running very controlled workouts and have stayed away from any major speed work thus far in the season.  We are looking forward to seeing how the season plays out for Joey and the whole Vanguard Team." 

There are many factors that come into play when determining the "Frosh of the Week", including; time, place, rank against other freshmen, and overall impact they have on their team. We will not highlight the same Frosh more than once and the honors are purely subjective. If you wish to nominate your athlete for "Frosh of the Week" e-mail us at [email protected] with their name and why they are deserving of the honor.

RELATED - SEE ALL FROSH OF THE WEEK FOR 2014 | 2013