AAU Club Championships Dream Team - E.O.T.O Elite Denise Spann Jul 16, 2015

The future of South Florida track and field are on their way to the USATF Junior Olympics in a little more than two weeks, but before they dominate on their own with their respective clubs, they have decided to join forces for the AAU Club Championships.

Spotlight Q&A: Daishon Spann Denise Spann May 08, 2015

As an athlete only in the 8th grade, Daishon Spann has multiple national championships not only in the 800m, but the 400m as well. This lady is an all around athlete and competes in the 100mh, high jump, 200m, 400m and the 800m. She also competes in a few multi events during the summer.

Track 101: Mentally Preparing For A Race Denise Spann Feb 26, 2015

There are some races that you can never imagine yourself running even if it helps you become a better athlete. I'm pretty sure that's how a 400m/800m runner feels when they are asked to run cross country and it's definitely how I feel when my coach tells me I have to run the 800m.

In Her Own Words: Denise Spann - In The Blink Of An Eye Denise Spann Feb 05, 2015

Track season is literally a few weeks away and I honestly can't believe that it's my senior season. There have been many days where I didn't think I'd make it to where I am now. If you were going to tell me when I was a freshman that I would break both of my ankles and lose sophomore eligibility, but still be able to be sign to Michigan State (a Division I university and top 25 preseason college team), and have one last season to put myself out on the track for the world to see… I wouldn't believe it.

Around The Track: Early South Florida Signees Denise Spann Jan 21, 2015

As the outdoor season is approaching many people may be wondering where this year's seniors are going to spend the next four years for their athletic careers. In South Florida a few of the nation's top track athletes got to sign early in the November period to some of the best schools in the country.

Under the Radar: Amanda Baker - Westminster Academy Denise Spann Oct 14, 2014

Cross Country season is in full swing and that means more mileage and ice bath galore. 32 days and countingis all that we have left until cross country athletes and fans alike make the trip up to Tallahassee to see who will reign for the next year. This cross country season, I thought I would introduce you to those who are making an impressive charge towards the state meet, athletes that are Under the Radar. This senior has definitely had her fair share of injuries, but has shown her strength by getting through every last one. Amanda Baker of Westminster Academy will be leading the Lady Lions throughout this cross country season.

Andrew James Prepares For 2014 Youth Olympics Denise Spann Jul 30, 2014

As the summer track season is coming to a close there's only one meet left, the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. One of Florida's very own is going to make the trip all the way across the world to compete for his country. Andrew James, a recent Cardinal Gibbons transfer will be running the 400m and representing the USA at this prestigious meet. 

Florida's Next Wave Of Female Quarter-Mile Phenoms Denise Spann Jul 21, 2014

Running the 400m in a competitive state like Florida, where there are so many talented girls in the event makes it hard to shine when it comes to the high school season as well as the summer circuit. Ladies like Kendall Ellis, Sharrika Barnett and Gabrielle Gayles are just a few 400m standouts. Last week at the AAU Club Championships three ladies represented the Sunshine State very well, bringing back some very fast times that look promising going into the next season.

13 Year Old Daishon Spann Stands Out At AAU Club Nationals Denise Spann Jul 20, 2014

To become a great track athlete you really have to get a head start. It's hard to start in high school. I'm not saying it can’t be done, but by getting multiple years to learn the ropes as well as get to know your competition it really helps create a great all around athlete. To have a range from the 100mh - 1500m is something you don’t see often especially if you’re actually good. Most athletes like this go into the multi events and try their luck there. This young lady has not only tried the multi-event circuit and the hurdles for the first time this year, not to mention she is a multiple time AAU Club National Champion. Daishon Spann runs hard on the track locally and nationally and I am proud to call her my sister. 

Athletes Who Shine Under The Radar: Isaiah Taylor Denise Spann Jul 19, 2014

As we wind down the 2014 outdoor track and field season, it is fitting to close out this year’s ‘Under the Radar’ series with someone very deserving.  In Florida we’re known for our huge amount of sprinters. Being that there are so many, some great athletes get lost in the crowd behind athletes such as Kendall Williams, Andre Ewers, and Michael Timpson Jr. Now that most of these high class sprinters have graduated, the seniors of 2015 are taking over, and one of those sprinters to watch out for is Isaiah Taylor. Taylor has been rising on the track and field ladder this past year, but very few know of him even though he placed 4th in the 4A state meet this year in the 100m and has a personal best of 10.48.

Running With The Bulls: Hallandale's Alvin and Lacey Off To USF Denise Spann Jul 09, 2014

This year the Chargers only lost the state title by one point to Bolles High School. Two seniors from this 2A state runner-up team are now going off to college together, to be teammates for the next four years. Edquisha Alvin and Tierra Lacey recently just signed to USF together and will definitely make an impact as freshmen.

Patterson Not Given Fair Shot At JAAA National Junior Championships Denise Spann Jun 24, 2014

This past weekend Javon Patterson went down to Jamaica for the 2014 JAAA National Junior Championship to compete in the 800m. Patterson was coming in with the 3rd fastest time out of all 14 boys registered to run. During the two days of competition, they decided to cancel the prelims of the 800m and made it a time final to be run on day two. It was then apparent that the boys in the U20 division were going to be running in 2 sections; Patterson was not in the fast section to everyone’s surprise. 

Andrew James Selected For USA’s World Youth Olympic Team Denise Spann Jun 19, 2014

Last year, Andrew James had an amazing opening high school season going undefeated in the 400m and winning the state title. He then made his move to the summer circuit and blew peoples’ minds. Going into last year’s World Youth Trials he was definitely underestimated, as he wasn’t on the prospect list till right before the trials in Edwardsville, Illinois. Andrew made it back to the finals in the 400m, placing 7th running 49.25. World Youth had been the biggest national high school stage he had ever been on, but it was evident going into the season that James had a new drive, and a whole new feel for the sport. 

Javon Patterson Ready To Take On Jamaica Denise Spann Jun 14, 2014

Javon Patterson has had a very successful season especially in the 800m. He ran on some big stages such as Florida Relays, Disney High School Track and Field Showcase, Louie Bing, and Golden South. He posted his fastest time of the season at Florida Relays when he ran 1:52.04. Many thought it was a fluke, but each time after that in different race situations and against different athletes Patterson showed up and showed out. 

Spotlight Athlete: Ebony Brown - Westminster Academy Denise Spann May 14, 2014

Westminster Academy junior Ebony Brown scored key points for her squad at the 1A State Finals. Brown was second in the triple jump with a new personal best of 35-6.75. She also pr'ed in the 200 with a time of 25.29 and a fourth place showing, and was sixth in the 100 meter dash. She was also a pivotal leg on the bronze medal 4x400 meter relay team. Denise Spann caught up with Brown who is a versatile athlete that can do anything from the triple jump to the 300 meter hurdles.
 

In Her Own Words: Denise Spann - Redemption Road Denise Spann May 01, 2014

The road traveled isn't always perfect. For Westminster Academy junior Denise Spann her high school track career has had its ups and downs; from switching schools to battling the injury bug. Spann talks about her road to redemption and being back in the right place as she prepares for the state meet.

Westminster Academy Prepares For 1A State Finals Denise Spann May 01, 2014

Wednesday was our last varsity track workout of the year before state. As practice came to an end, I just remembered how the year started. We were all optimistic and anxious for the season to begin. Getting our two new transfers from Calvary Christian, the girls knew that we were going to be contending this year. As for the guys, they came so close last year to winning, and made the changes needed to be in that first place podium spot. 

Spotlight Athlete: Tayler McDuffie - Ft. Lauderdale Calvary Christian Denise Spann Apr 28, 2014

Calvary Christian (Ft. Lauderdale) senior Tayler McDuffie is a huge asset to their success as she is one of the top throwers in 2A right now. Last year she placed sixth in the shot put in the 1A State Finals with a throw of 37"0'. Since then she’s increased her personal best by five feet. McDuffie, a University of Central Florida signee is the 2A District 15 shot put winner, and Region 4 runner-up, and is projected to finish second at the 2A state meet. 

Westminster Academy Sweeps 1A Region 4 Championships Denise Spann Apr 19, 2014

On Thursday,  1A Region 4 meet was held, and it sure was a night to remember for many. The day started off late due to a rain delay, so the 4x800m relay popped off at about 2:30. The winner of the relay was one of the major distance powerhouses, Westminster Christian running 10:08.65 finishing in 2nd was South Florida HEAT running 10:19.35.

Spotlight Athlete: Brandon Bejarano - Westminster Academy Denise Spann Apr 19, 2014

Westminster Academy senior Brandon Bejarano's times are dropping tremendously as the state meet is approaching. Recently heposted a time of 4:24 in the mile, nearly a seven second personal best and has an 800m PR of 1:57.79. He shows his versatility by being a pivotal leg on WA’s 4x400m. Brandon also runs the 2000m steeplechase, taking 3rd in the USATF World Youth Trials last summer running 6:24.09. Denise Spann caught up with Bejarano before the 1A Regional 4 Championship to talk about the 2014 season.