Continuing to Cook

If this year's cross country season were cut in half, Springstead High junior Jackie White would have been named Hernando Today's Runner of the Year.
But a severe mid-season ankle injury reduced White's effectiveness, let alone her dominance locally.
That injury paved the way for a second look.
Central High sophomore Mikayla Leeanne Bogulski, a standout 880-meter performer for the Bears' track and field squad, filled the void.
"It's kinda a shock that I beat out Jackie," reacted Bogulski. "She beat me most of the season. I guess I was pretty lucky at the end. I beat her when it counted the most."
What about the County Champion Lady Bears not reaching its ultimate goal - reaching states?
"It was a little disappointing," shrugged Bogulski. "(States) Is something you strive for every day in practice."
Tale of the tape
Bogulski led the way for the Bears competing in 10 races. She was one of only two girls, out of county's 43 female varsity runners, who raced 10 times this fall.
Along the way, Bogulski led her team with three Top 10 finishes. She also led the Lady Bears to the finish line in 8-of-10 meets.
During the state series (districts and beyond), Bogulski etched her county-best 5K (3.1-mile) time of 20:44.00 - nosing out White's 20:44.91.
Hernando Head Coach Mike Nicholson believed Bogulski was the choice for ROY.
"She was able to listen to her coach and she trained very hard," recalled Nicholson. "You gotta give it to her; she puts in the time and effort."
CHS' fourth-year Head Coach Erin Courtney said of Bogulski, "She was completely consistent throughout the season. When it came to districts, in the meets that matter the most, she stepped up her game.
"Doing well early in the season really doesn't matter," said Courtney. "What you do at the Mitchell meet doesn't mean you go to states or not. It's what you do in districts and regions that closes the deal on states. I respect what Jackie (White) did and what she meant to her team, but Mikayla was consistent and she did what she needed to do down the stretch."
Bogulski 101
Mikayla was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and relocated to Florida at the end of her sixth-grade year from Michigan.
Mikayla is the youngest of two children and resides in Weeki Wachee with her father, Andrew, and stepmother Carolyn Umble.
Once here, she competed in track and field at West Hernando Middle School.
What was the difference?
"It was a lot different down here," shared the 15-year-old Bogulski. "I didn't have so many hot days and there's a lot more competition here."
Why track and field and cross country?
"They're both really different," pointed out Bogulski. "I got 10th in states in the 880 this past spring. I kinda died at the end of that race at states. I realized I needed to work on my endurance.
"I realized I ran with some girls that do cross country during track season," recalled Bogulski. "So it wasn't an awkward transition coming out."
Why is track No. 1 in her heart?
"I just like going fast," replied Bogulski. "And I'm not a sprinter. Plus, I like the crowd that's there. It gives you a good feeling. In cross country, you run alone. It's totally on you."
What was the biggest lesson learned after her first cross country season?
"No. 1 you have to go out with confidence," Mikayla said. "My dad has always supported me. He always stressed I could beat this person or that person.
"And I understand a lot better how to go out on the first mile at say, McKethan Lake, and go out fast but not all out."
What were Bogulski's main threats?
"(Springstead's) Jackie (White) and Kailey (Genrich) were my main competitors," recalled Bogulski.
In the future
With the Lady Bears graduating All-County performers Caroline Northrup and Anna DeAngelis along with senior Kady McCandless, just how will CHS fare next fall?
"Yeah, we're losing a lot of seniors," explained Bogulski. "But the remaining runners could be just as good or better. Overall, the key is running together in practice."
What will her role be next season?
"I like to support my team any way I can," explained Bogulski, who carries a 4.0 grade point average and loves animals, aspires to be a veterinarian one day. "It doesn't bother me if I'm not captain next year."
What are her short term goals?
"For next year, I'd like to break 20 minutes," answered Bogulski, who trains each day with step sister Devon Rennie. "It's really cool running with here. It sure beats running by yourself."

By the Number: Central's ROY Mikayla Bogulski
- Compiled by TONY CASTRO
DATE EVENT PL TIME
09-15 Wiregrass Inv. 4th 21:56:00
09-20 Lukas Inv. 22nd 21:29.97
09-27 Mitchell Inv. 12th 21:45.17
10-04 Crystal River 13th 21:22..17
10-11 Land O'Lakes Inv. 20th 21:21:00
10-18 Pre-State Meet 44th 21:26.35
10-23 Central Inv. 5th 23;09.00
10-30 Hernando/Citrus Inv. 6th 20:54.31
11-07 Class 3A, District 3 20th 20:44.00
11-15 Class 3A, Region II 45th 21:57.62