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Hernando Today

Maier Makes The Most Of Opportunity

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: April 30, 2008

WINTER PARK – Tyler Maier wonders what could have been, had he not waited until his junior season to join Hall of Fame coach Ernie Chatman's vaunted distance program.
On Saturday night at Showalter Field in Winter Park, the Hernando High senior ran the 3,200 at the Class 2A State Finals, the only state appearance in his abbreviated prep career.
He ran a 9:54.30 to finish seventh, earning him a medal for a top-eight performance.
"It means a lot," Maier said. "It's my last race. I wanted to do something. I felt it was important to make an impact.
"I think I ran pretty good. It was a little windy, but it was a good time. I can't complain."
The University of West Florida bound runner also medaled in cross country this school year. How did he become so good so quickly? He echoed the sentiments of many of Chatman's runners.
"Great coach," Maier said. "All you've got to do is put forth the effort, he'll take you far. He got me into college for running. I never thought I'd do that at all."
"It says he has a little ability," Chatman said. "And he was willing to work. He's worked hard. He's earned the accolades he's gotten."
From the stands, Chatman evaluated Maier's showing. Though Maier came in seeded fifth, neither he nor the coach felt he disappointed.
"The pace was pretty quick for him, but we expected he needed to be in that situation," Chatman said. "At the end he was just trying to hang on. It was a tough race. People ran very well.
"I'm somewhat surprised. He struggled early in the week with his energy levels. He got a little better as the week went on. You're always hoping for a little better, but some good people beat him."
No medals for NCT
Prior to this season, Nature Coast Technical junior Howie Williams had never participated in track and field. The magic of his rookie campaign finally ran out in the high jump competition.
Tied for the third seed following a 6'4" at regionals, Williams just missed out on a medal chance, leaping 6'4" again for ninth place. The 6-8 finishers also ended up at 6'4", but Williams lost on attempts.
"I'm just proud I made it to states," Williams said. "I felt I could have done a little better, though. I should have come within the top four really. I should have pushed myself harder. I was a little nervous, though. I didn't have too much confidence in myself.
"I learned that just because it's your first time doing something, you can go a long ways if you put your mind and soul into it, have a good support system.
"Next year is the year of the Williams. I'm coming here to do damage. Everyone will know my name by the end of the year."
Sophomore Tony Roberts fell in the 300-hurdles and came in 16th in 49.99. Junior Antwan Story finished 11th in the 200 (22.52), leaving the county and district champion Nature Coast boys without a state medalist.
"I think it's just a privilege for them to come here," Nature Coast Head Coach Ryan Wilson said. "As far as their performance goes, I'm satisfied with it. Unfortunately they didn't place, but a lot of people can't say they came here and they can.
"I think this is a huge step up for a lot of kids. Coming here, getting in this huge atmosphere, knowing what it takes to get here, that's a huge motivator for next year."

Class 2A State Meet Boys Team Results
1. Tallahassee-Godby 52.5, 44. Hernando 2, Nature Coast 0.
Class 2A State Meet Boys Individual Results: Top 8 scored points (10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1), earned medals
HJ - 1. Miller (RAN) 6'10", 9. H. Williams (NCT) 6'4".
300 IH - 1. McClain (BOL) 36.64, 16. Roberts (NCT) 49.99.
200 - 1. Hopkins (MP) 21.68, 11. Story (NCT) 22.52.
3200 - 1. Wallace (BK) 9:25.40, 7. Maier (HER) 9:54.30.
Key: Jacksonville-Bishop Kenny (BK), Jacksonville-Bolles (BOL), Miami-Monsignor Pace (MP), Nature Coast (NCT), Jacksonville-Raines (RAN).

Sports writer Chris Bernhardt Jr. can be reached at (352) 544-5288 or online at cbernhardt@hernandotoday.com

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